Brighton vs Roma: No buses for away fans as police gear up

Brighton and Hove Albion face AS Roma at home tomorrow as they try to claw back four goals to stay in the Europa League.

Unlike normal, coaches will not line up outside the King and Queen pub in Marlborough Place to ferry away fans to the stadium, but instead dozens of police officers will be ready to escort them on foot to the railway station.

This will be similar to the way that Crystal Palace fans are taken to the game.

Crystal Palace fans being escorted up Queens Road (Image: Sussex News And Pictures)

From there, the supporters will be put on trains to Falmer and taken to the away end - where sniffer dogs will be deployed. There will be no alcohol on sale. 

Railway staff at Brighton and Falmer are preparing queuing systems for both home and away fans, with managers working on the ground alongside police.

Read more: Four reasons why UEFA is investigating AS Roma after Albion match

Stephen MacCallaugh, head of stations at Southern, said: "This will be a big game and we want everyone to have a great time. Our advice to BHAFC fans is always to travel early to make sure you arrive on time.

"We have been working extremely closely with the police on the joint plans for this match and we've been in constant communication with the club.

"We'll have an enhanced train plan that has been agreed with the club, as we do for every game, and a queuing system with stewards.

"This, and a strong presence from the British Transport Police, will help our passengers get to the game safely."

Police inside Brighton Station dealing with football crowds

The operation comes one week on from Albion's clash with AS Roma in Rome last Thursday, which saw the club lose 4-0 against the Italian side.

European football governing body UEFA is looking into four issues from last Thursday's game - including fans throwing bottles and coins into the away end, blocking public passageways, lighting fireworks and displaying a "provocative message of an offensive and political nature."

A group of Albion fans were also attacked and two stabbed in the run-up to the game. Despite the incidents, a Sussex Police spokesman clarified that they will be keeping the same level of security as previous Europa League games.

Football special buses are typically laid on, and escorted by police to the stadium (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus)

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "There will be an increased police presence in Brighton ahead of Brighton and Hove Albion’s football fixture against AS Roma.

"Sussex Police is working in partnership with Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club for the club’s historic first season playing European football.

"We also work alongside AS Roma, UEFA, and other emergency services and partner agencies to assess the appropriate policing response to support the club.

"This includes ensuring there is sufficient support in place for fans visiting the city for the first time, and to make sure that everyone attending the match has a safe and enjoyable experience.

"Security within the ground remains the responsibility of the club, supported by us."