I watched Brighton and Hove Albion at Withdean Stadium last Saturday and was interested to note several changes since I last visited. I was pleased the Albion were playing some superior football; more like a first than a third division team, particularly in the second half of the match.
I was also pleased with the extra seating behind the goal which afforded an excellent single-vision view of the pitch. I was pleased the Sportsman Bar was open pre-match to give fans the opportunity of a decent get-together.
But I was displeased with the dictatorial and totally unwarranted attack by the stewards on fans who were innocent of any misdemeanour. My stepson sat at the very back with no one behind him and therefore unable to cause obstruction, yet on the only occasion he stood up to applaud an Albion move, he was cautioned by a steward who warned him "your face will be recognised". He was told this was his one and only warning and he would be removed in the event of a repetition.
I understand standards of discipline need to be maintained in the interests of safety the caution necessary in dealing with large crowds. However, this particular attack was totally unreasonable.
-Mark Shaw, Poplar Avenue, Hove
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