Two football hooligans have been banned from football games for five years after assaulting fellow Albion fans outside the Amex.

Stephen and Kenan Staplehurst, 41 and 23, were kicked out of the North Stand along with two other fans after a “violent scuffle” in the home end at a match against Manchester City on October 23, 2021.

After son Kenan said he would “clean them right out” if he saw them outside, the pair waited behind fencing near Falmer railway station before attacking one of the men.

The fellow Albion fan suffered a broken nose and cheek and caused a “lifelong effect to his vision”, the court heard.

Sussex Police’s Dedicated Football Officer PC Darren Balkham said: “The behaviour of the Staplehursts was appalling. They had been warned to leave the stadium area, but instead they carried out a further violent assault on one of the men.

“This ugly behaviour is not welcome in our beautiful game, and they are both now banned from attending professional football matches.

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“It demonstrates our determination to catch offenders and ensure that the vast majority of football supporters can attend matches safely and enjoy the game free of violence.”

The Staplehursts admitted causing grievous bodily harm without intent at Lewes Crown Court on August 24.

The court ordered Stephen Staplehurst, a builder of Penfold Road, Broadwater, Worthing, and Kenan Staplehurst, a labourer of Dale Avenue, Hassocks, to complete 100 hours of unpaid work as part of an 18-month suspended prison sentence.

The pair were also given a five-year Football Banning Order, meaning they cannot go to any professional football game in England and are restricted from travelling around Albion matches.

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove Albion also confirmed the pair would be banned “indefinitely” from Albion matches on top of the order.

The Albion spokesman added: “The club would like to thank Sussex Police for their support in reaching this outcome.

"We do not tolerate violent behaviour and will do everything in its power to ensure the American Express Stadium remains a safe and enjoyable place for all supporters.

"We do not wish to be associated with these two individuals and therefore they will be banned indefinitely from Albion matches, in addition to the court-imposed five-year banning order.”

The father and son duo were also ordered to pay £600 in court costs and complete 20 rehabilitation sessions.