Brighton and Hove Albion fans faced yet another harrowing ordeal during their Europa League clash against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico, as they were subjected to a barrage of attacks from Roma supporters. The distressing incident comes in the wake of a series of violent encounters, including a brutal stabbing of two Brighton fans by hooligans in Rome the night before the match.
The atmosphere turned sour during the match when Roma ultras unfurled a vile banner aimed at the late Queen, displaying an offensive message during the first half. This distasteful act further marred the already tense encounter between the two teams.
As if the banner wasn’t enough, the situation escalated when Roma fans began hurling bottles, coins, and lighters at the Brighton supporters in the away end. The alarming display of aggression prompted Brighton to swiftly report the incident to UEFA and Italian authorities, urging for immediate action to be taken.
In light of the escalating violence, Brighton issued a precautionary advisory to their fans, advising them against wearing their team colors in the city, fearing reprisals from Roma ultras. Despite the unsettling events, there is a glimmer of relief as both fans who were stabbed have since been discharged from the hospital. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dark side of football fandom and the urgent need for stringent measures to ensure the safety of supporters in and around football stadiums.