Brighton fans were in good spirits despite their team’s loss as they made the short journey to Brentford on Friday evening.

Albion's match came after a turbulent week in which midfielder Enock Mwepu announced his retirement at just 24-years-old due to a hereditary heart condition.

The team warmed up in shirts bearing Mwepu’s name and number and photos from the away end of also show fans with tributes to the Zambian international.

T-shirts bearing messages of support were worn by fans as well as Zambian flags emblazoned with the Brighton crest.

Fans who made the Friday evening journey to West London were unfortunately not treated to a win away from home, as Brentford took the 2-0 victory.

A brace from in-form Brentford striker Ivan Toney was enough to sink the Seagulls, with goals either side of half time proving too much for the team.

The Argus: Brighton fans paid tribute to recently retired midfielder Enock Mwepu. Image: Liz FinlaysonBrighton fans paid tribute to recently retired midfielder Enock Mwepu. Image: Liz Finlayson (Image: Simon Dack)

Toney has since been the subject of racial abuse following the game as he took to social media with screenshots from his Instagram account.

Messages showing a man calling Toney a “black c***” have been denounced by the football community.

A spokesman for Brentford said that ““We condemn this discriminatory behaviour in the strongest possible terms”, while a statement from the Premier League added that there is “no place in football or society”.

The screenshots posted by Toney show that the man sending the abuse is not from Brighton and there is no suggestion that he is an Albion fan.

Brighton are still chasing their first win under new manager Roberto De Zerbi after Friday night’s loss.

The team were unfortunate in the Italian’s home debut against Spurs, where a Harry Kane header won the game, and pushed Liverpool all the way in a 3-3 draw at Anfield.

Speaking after the game, Albion boss De Zerbi said: “I think we played a good game but, if you want to win the game, you have to score.

“We had a lot of potential chances, many shots on goal, the last pass, the cross.

"Against Tottenham it was the same, a lot of shots but we didn't score.”