(Reuters) – Two Brighton & Hove Albion fans were hospitalized in Rome on Wednesday after being attacked ahead of their team’s Europa League match with AS Roma, the Premier League club confirmed. Local reports indicated that the fans were stabbed and robbed during the incident.
A spokesperson for Brighton stated, “Two supporters were attacked after leaving a bar last night and sustained minor injuries. Fortunately, their injuries were not severe. They have already been discharged from the hospital, and the club, along with English police liaisons and the British Consulate, have reached out to provide assistance and support to them. We urge all fans to heed the advice we have provided in preparation for the match.”
The club had previously urged traveling fans to utilize designated shuttle buses for their safety. Additionally, Brighton reminded fans to avoid displaying flags and colors while in the city, as recommended by Italian police protocols.
This unfortunate incident in Rome is not the first involving English football fans. Liverpool supporters also experienced violence in the city in April, and there were confrontations between Roma and Red Star Belgrade fans in February 2023.
The second leg of the Europa League match between Brighton and Roma is set to take place on March 14th at the English team’s home stadium on the south coast.
(Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken Ferris)
