Brighton & Hove Albion fans were affected by tear gas after flash bangs and tear gas were used towards the home supporters following the club’s victory over AEK Athens. A representative from Sussex Police stated that “the gas wafted through to the away end, and a few fans were left feeling distressed. It’s not a nice feeling, especially if you have respiratory problems. And if you’ve not had that before, it is quite scary.”
Despite the aftermath, one supporter, George Batchelor, expressed his disbelief at watching his team qualify for the knockouts of a European competition, saying “I never imagined 10 or even five years ago we’d play in Europe, let alone qualify for the knockouts.” He added that while the match was stressful at times and “turned a bit sour between fans”, it was all worth it.
Another fan, Sue Challen, who is a member of the Seagulls Over London supporters group, described visiting Athens as the “perfect reward” for attending every match last season. Challen’s son, Jimmy, said the experience was “something I’ve been dreaming of since I was a kid.”
Earlier in the week, Albion defender Joel Veltman had thrown his shirt into the away end after a victory over Nottingham Forest, only to realise that his GPS tracker was still inside. Hollingbury pub landlord Pat Matthews returned the tracker and the club invited Matthews to meet Veltman and to receive a signed shirt in exchange for the device. Matthews, who lost a local to Parkinson’s disease, said he will auction off the shirt to raise money for a Parkinson’s charity.
The use of tear gas towards fans has been a growing concern in recent years and has caused injury to supporters at various sporting events. Fans have called for action to be taken to prevent its use in the future
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