How Brighton will welcome 2,000 'fantastic' fans back to Amex Stadium after nine long months

Brighton boss Graham Potter is relishing the return of fans to the AMEX Stadium as his side looks to climb the Premier League table.
2000 Brighton fans will be at the Amex Stadium tonight as they welcome Southampton2000 Brighton fans will be at the Amex Stadium tonight as they welcome Southampton
2000 Brighton fans will be at the Amex Stadium tonight as they welcome Southampton

A crowd of 2,000 will watch the Seagulls when they face Southampton on Monday night after coronavirus restrictions were lifted for clubs in Tier one and two areas.

It will be the first time spectators have been allowed into a league game at the AMEX since March, although the club’s pre-season friendly against Chelsea in August was used as a pilot event before plans for a general return were put on hold.

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The last time fans saw Brighton in home action was probably one to forget as they suffered a 1-0 loss to rivals Crystal Palace way back in February.

Potter said: “We hope that it’s a really positive impact. I am sure the players will look forward to seeing them and playing in front of them. It’s what makes football, ultimately.

“We have had games at home even after lockdown – Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool – the games we have lost are arguably the ones where you really need the supporters, we have had to play those behind closed doors.

“We hope we can use the support, we hope that we can play well and get them involved in the game, that they provide a good atmosphere and that can help us against a good opponent and get a positive result.”

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Chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber explained how the return of fans will work: “The fan journey as I call it is everyone will be on digital tickets, travelling in their preferred ways," he said.

“They will put their masks on, they will be socially distant. They will come on to the concourses, they will get food and drink but not alcohol.

“They will go through to seats, which will be three apart. They will follow the special signage in the stadium.

“They will wear masks during the game. They can sing but we expect them to remain seated.

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"We want people to keep themselves safe, keep others safe - and enjoy yourself."

The returning fans, however, will not see midfielder Adam Lallana in action with the midfielder having been ruled out for two weeks after aggravating a groin injury during a brief appearance as a substitute in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool.

Potter said: “He’s probably going to be a couple of weeks, so it’s not too bad. It’s a little bit of a setback, but nothing too serious, which is positive.

“He is recovering well and getting on with his rehab.”