A group of football hooligans left a grandfather with a bleed on the brain in an attack outside a pub.

Thomas Miller, Christopher Stevens and Stephen Lang ganged up on a sole Luton Town fan outside The Ruby in Coldean Lane, Brighton, following a Premier League clash at the Amex in August 2023.

Stevens and Lang each punched the man, knocking him out in front of his son and grandson in a vicious assault.

The thugs have each been banned from attending matches.

A hearing at Brighton Magistrates Court on September 27 was told that Miller, Stevens and Lang had gathered outside the pub at around 8pm after Albion’s 4-1 win against Luton at the Amex on August 12, 2023.

Rival fans had both gathered at the pub after train cancellations.

During the incident bricklayer Miller, 33, launched a plastic beer cup at Luton supporters and acted aggressively towards the group.

Later removals operative Stevens, 44, punched a 57-year-old man from Buckinghamshire, knocking him off balance.

As the man steadied himself retail worker Lang, 62, punched him a second time, knocking him out.

Sussex Police dedicated football officer PC Darren Balkham said: “Miller, Stevens and Lang’s behaviour and violence was completely unacceptable.

“It left the victim recovering from a serious injury.

“We thank the public for their help to identify those involved following our appeal for information.

“The Football Banning Orders restrict their access to attend future matches.

“It demonstrates our determination to pursue prosecutions to get justice for victims, and it shows that violence has no place in football.

“Our priority is to ensure that those attending the game and visiting our city can enjoy the game and do so in safety.”

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A spokesman for Brighton & Hove Albion added: “There is absolutely no place for this appalling, cowardly, violent behaviour at football or in society in general.

“In line with our zero-tolerance approach, these three individuals will no longer be welcome at any Brighton & Hove Albion matches in future.

“We would like to echo Sussex Police’s comments and thank the public who helped identify the perpetrators – and thank Sussex Police for bringing them to justice.

Following a police appeal, Miller, of Saxons in Shoreham, and Stevens, of Ditchling Crescent in Brighton, admitted affray and were handed a nine-month suspended sentence and a three-year football banning order.

Both were also fined £1,500 and ordered to complete unpaid work and rehabilitation sessions.

Lane, of Walton Bank in Brighton, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent and affray. He was handed a two-year suspended sentence and four-year football banning order.

He was also fined £2,650 and ordered to complete unpaid work and rehabilitation sessions.