Brighton fans banned from selfies with players outside Amex stadium

Players have been told by the club not to sign autographs or pose for selfies when arriving or leaving the Amex stadium in Falmer, or the training ground in Lancing as it is deemed “unsafe” to do so.

Attending the training ground and stadium has become increasingly popular with the team’s younger supporters, but the “sheer volume” of interest has made it “dangerous” at both sites.

A young fan at a game last season

A spokesman for the club said: “In recent weeks we have witnessed dangerous overcrowding while at Lancing we have seen supporters stepping in front of cars. 

“In addition, players have also been subject to abuse from fans, when they have been unable to stop to sign autographs or pose for selfies, which is not acceptable.

“From today, all players have been instructed by the club not to sign or pose for selfies when arriving or leaving the stadium or training ground – as it is no longer safe to do so.”

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Last year, these lucky fans got the chance to meet Alexis Mac Allister, who let them take a picture with his World Cup gold medal (Image: Simon Funnell)

The club also said there has been an increased number of repeat requests for autographs from the same people each week.

A large number of these autographs have been seen being sold for profit on auction websites.

“This practice devalues the club-signed merchandise we provide to the Brighton and Hove Albion Foundation and the many club and Premier League charity partners who benefit from this as a source of fundraising,” the club spokesman said.

As an alternative, the club is offering spaces for its junior season ticket holders and junior members of its loyalty scheme MyAlbion+ to come to the stadium for “enhanced” selfie and autograph opportunities with the squad.

These will take place at every home match day and will be in a “safe” environment when the players arrive.

Some of the junior members have been selected at random and invited to today’s game against West Ham United.

Next week, the club will write to members to explain how to register their interest ahead of the match with Newcastle United.

Members will be limited to attending one signing and selfie session per season.