A Brighton fan, who goes by the name ‘Jack Albion’ on social media, received a heartening welcome from fellow supporters as he attended Thursday’s Europa League clash with AS Roma, despite having been stabbed the previous day
Sporting a crutch and bearing ten stitches, Jack Albion showed resilience by making it to the Stadio Olimpico.
Who is Brighton fan Jack Albion stabbed by AS Roma fans in Rome ahead of Europa League match in Italy
Last night, Jack Albion, a Brighton supporter was stabbed in Rome. After making a full recovery, he travelled to their game at the Stadio Olimpico.
This is how the other Brighton fans welcomed him to his seat 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/Q3qjAQsbm3
— george (@StokeyyG2) March 7, 2024
What Exactly Happened?
The unfortunate Incident occurred on Wednesday night when a group of around six masked individuals attacked Brighton fans. ‘Jack Albion’ was one of the two fans stabbed, while others suffered punches and kicks in the frightening assault.
The Injuries sustained by the two stabbing victims were determined to be non-life threatening, and they received treatment at different hospitals in the early hours of Thursday morning.
“Jack Albion” from the entire away end.
Brighton fan CULTURE. 💙pic.twitter.com/iM3MqVbA3C
— TalkSeagulls (@TalkSeagulls) March 7, 2024
Approximately 3,500 Brighton fans journeyed to the Italian capital for the initial match of their Europa League last-16 clash with Roma. As the away section steadily filled with supporters, they noticed one of the injured individuals and responded with a standing ovation, chanting ‘Jack Albion’.
This particular fan had been previously photographed outside the stadium, seen walking with the assistance of a crutch.
What Did Witnesses’ Reveal?
During the unpleasant incident, Joey Thorpe, a witness, shared with media, “As we were casually walking home from a bar, not engaging in any chanting and dressed in regular clothes, we were suddenly ambushed from behind by approximately six individuals wearing balaclavas and all dressed in black, concealing their faces.”
Thorpe further added that “I was struck on the back of my head multiple times, leading to my eventual fall to the ground.” Witnesses from nearby restaurants on Via Cavour, a street close to the city’s train terminal and the renowned Colosseum, reportedly observed the assault.
The attackers, numbering six or seven and concealing their faces, prompted the alarmed witnesses to notify authorities. The assailants vanished into the night just before the arrival of police officers from the Ministry of the Interior.
Age of Stabbed Brighton Fans
For unfamiliar, as per reports in Rome, just ahead of Brighton and Hove Albion’s Europa League last 16 first leg against AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico, two fans of the Seagulls fell victim to a disturbing incident.
The exciting trip to the Italian capital took a dark turn as the supporters, aged 28 and 29, were attacked, stabbed, and robbed around midnight last night.
The Brighton fans, both males, sustained injuries from punches and suffered minor stab wounds to their legs during the robbery, which targeted their pouches containing documents and wallets.
Following the incident, the two Seagulls supporters were swiftly taken to Umberto I and San Giovanni for medical attention. Local law enforcement is actively investigating the matter.