ALBION fans were welcomed back to the Amex in their thousands for the sides final friendly of pre-season.

Brighton and Hove Albion supporters were back in the stands in greater numbers on Saturday night for the first time since facing Manchester City on the final day of the 2020/21 Premier League season.

The official attendance of the night was 7,091.

The outbreak of Covid-19 suspended the 2019/20 Premier League season, which was eventually resumed in July with matches played behind closed doors.

In August 2020, Albion were given the chance for the Amex to host the first trial event, with 2,500 supporters invited to attend their friendly against Chelsea.

This was the first time fans were able to attend the stadium since the visit of Crystal Palace on February 29.

But the Chelsea game proved to be a false dawn.

There was brief respite when 2,000 fans were admitted to games versus Southampton and Sheffield United in December before lockdown was tightened again.

Then came a night which will be remembered for years as 8,000 fans roared their side to a win over Manchester City in May.

Now it seems normality really is back with full houses expected for the new season.

Those present certainly enjoyed themselves last night.

 

 

 

Despite suffering a 2-0 loss to La Liga side Getafe on Saturday, the Albion fans were jubilant at their return to normality.

Supporters took to social media to share their views on the joyous occasion.

On Facebook, Lynn Pearce said: “It was great to be back! The game didn't go our way but was still a good evening. Bring on the new season.”

Lee Walker added: “Bar the result, it was nice to be back and seeing people who I hadn't seen since Feb 2019.”

And Gareth James said: “Brilliant to meet up with friends I haven’t seen for ages - a small touch of normality returns.”

Another fan took to Twitter to share their views on the match, as well as the return to the stadium.

“Good to be back home at the #Amex last night. A disappointing result, highlighting our ongoing need for more force upfront.

“Lots to build on and buzzing for the season to kick off next weekend away to Burnley.”

Albion head coach Graham Potter said the match was a tough match against a well organised side.

“It was what you want from the last match of pre-season,” he said. “The first half was a bit even, but we weren’t quite as good as we like to be.

“But credit to them, they had a good shape.

“In the second half, I thought we played better. We were more threatening for sustained periods. In the end the result is what it is but pleasing for us that we get Lewis and Adam more time on the pitch.”

Brighton’s next home fixture is against newly promoted side Watford at 5.30pm on August 21, after their opening Premier League fixture at Burnley on August 14.

Have you got a story for us? Email news@theargus.co.uk or contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

You can also call us on 01273 021 400.