3 Brighton Fans Given Lifetime Bans

31 January 2019, 12:29 | Updated: 31 January 2019, 12:32

Three Brighton supporters have been handed lifetime bans by the club after trouble at last weekend's FA Cup tie with West Brom.

The three individuals have had their season tickets cancelled with immediate effect following incidents including a female crowd doctor and a club steward being assaulted.

Sussex Police, working closely with Albion's safety and stewarding team, are also investigating.

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.

"Our warnings may occasionally offend some people who wouldn't dream of behaving in this way, but I can assure you it's nowhere near the offence caused to us when our colleagues or our visitors are assaulted.

"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."