Brighton have called for action to be taken against Roma after accusing the Italian team’s fans of throwing bottles and coins at their supporters during their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday night.
The two sides met at the Stadio Olimpico, and Brighton posted a statement on X as the second half got underway confirming that they had lodged a complaint to UEFA and the Italian police following the unsavoury scenes.
The statement read: ‘We are aware of the bottles, coins and lighters being thrown by home supporters into the away end.
It is not the first time that Brighton fans have been targeted in the Italian capital, as two Seagulls supporters were stabbed by a masked gang on Wednesday night.
Brighton have accused Roma fans of throwing objects at their supporters
Brighton are furious that their fans were targeted and have called for UEFA and the police to take ‘immediate action’
The two men, aged 28 and 29, were taken to hospital with ‘minor knife wounds’ in their thighs after being attacked by ‘six or seven people wearing masks’.
Police were called to the historic Monti district of Rome after a restaurant waiter raised the alarm around midnight on Wednesday evening.
The pair were robbed of a belt bag containing their identity documents and wallets. An investigation is underway.
One of the fans was still able to go to the game on Thursday night despite reportedly requiring 10 stitches to treat his injuries.
He was seen walking into the stadium with the aid of a crutch, and received a rousing reception from the travelling fans as he made his way to his seat.
Two Brighton fans were stabbed on Wednesday night, but one was still able to attend Thursday’s match
Brighton were thrashed 4-0 by Roma, with Romelu Lukaku getting on the scoresheet
But it proved to be a miserable night for Brighton as they were thrashed 4-0 by their Italian opponents.
Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku put Roma two goals in front at half time, with Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante extending the hosts’ advantage after the break.
Brighton now face a major uphill battle to make it to the last eight of the competition after a disastrous display.
The return leg is due to be played at the Amex Stadium next Thursday.
