Express & Star

Brighton issue lifetime bans after 'cowardly attack' on West Brom fans

Brighton & Hove Albion have issued lifetime bans to three supporters involved in a ‘cowardly attack’ on Baggies fans at last weekend’s FA Cup match.

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The Amex Stadium. (AMA)

The three supporters also threatened to stab a steward in front of several children before assaulting a female doctor who tried to tend the injured.

Sussex Police are investigating the incident that took place on Station Approach near the Amex Stadium at Saturday’s goalless draw between the two sides.

But Brighton have moved swiftly to hand lifetime bans to all three fans, who are season ticket holders aged in their 20s to 50s.

The Seagulls are also investigating a number of other incidents from Saturday’s match, and expect these to result in further significant exclusions and possible criminal proceedings.

Brighton chief executive Paul Barber said: “Once again we find ourselves dealing with a number of issues we do not want at this club.

“Firstly a small group of so-called supporters initiated a very cowardly attack on unsuspecting West Bromwich Albion supporters as they made their way along Station Approach.

“Another individual assaulted a steward and then threatened to stab him in full view of other fans including several children.

“Just as shockingly, another chose to assault and abuse a female crowd doctor, while she was tending to him.

“We know it’s a tiny minority of people that engage in this kind of serious disorder.

“We also know that the overwhelming majority of fans come to our games to enjoy a day out at the football with family and friends, and, like us, don’t want these people anywhere near our club.

“For our part, we are sick and tired of issuing warnings. All three incidents are now being investigated by Sussex Police, and we will fully support any criminal prosecutions they may bring.

“In the meantime, and with very clear evidence of the behaviour described, all of the fans involved – several of whom are season ticket holders, aged in their 20s to 50s - will receive lifetime bans.

“Any individual who still thinks that they can behave in a violent or anti-social way, just because they are inside a football stadium, either needs to think again or stay away from our matches.

“We will continue to take a zero tolerance approach as we do not want these type of individuals associated with Brighton & Hove Albion, or with our sport, in any way.”

Brighton and Albion meet again next Wednesday, February 6, at The Hawthorns for an FA Cup fourth round replay following Saturday’s goalless draw.

The winner will host Derby County in the last 16 of the competition.