Brighton and Hove Albion issued a statement after being accused of banning supporters for wearing Palestinian shirts in their home matches. The Seagulls have reviewed procedures in the politically motivated material, but emphasized that despite online claims, supporters are not banned for violating the rules.
Fabian Hazeler’s team endured a tough start to the season, losing 2-0 to Everton on Sunday after a 1-1 draw with Fulham at Amex Stadium on the opening weekend of the campaign. As a result, they sit in 17th place in the Premier League, above the winners and losers and West Ham.
Following Brighton’s disappointing performance at Hill Dickinson Stadium, business owner Roger Wade accused him of issuing the club “5 games ban” because of the outfit he wore to the Amex earlier this month.
He wrote about how the steward asked him to leave at halftime, alongside a photo of him wearing a football shirt, which he raised his arms and read “Palestine” as the two teams left, and how he filed a complaint about the issue.
Brighton has now issued a statement saying that while he has not fully mentioned Wade’s accusations, it hints at the issue. They write: “Ahead of our next home match against Manchester City, we have taken a step to remind all our supporters of the Premier League rules to display flags and other materials representing the conflicting country.
“The Premier League is clear about guidance to all clubs of flags, banners or other materials (including replica shirts and t-shirts) indicating potential inflammatory content that displays potential inflammatory content.
“We are fully grateful for our diverse fan base with different views on many local, national and international issues, but we also have an obligation to follow Premier League regulations. Still, our typical approach is to first politely and personally emphasize and remind people who may actively violate these rules, to unfairly remove and organize them, to further sanctions.”
Brighton went on to ensure they don’t ban fans from not following the rules, saying, “You can make sure that a large portion of our supporters are compliant with these rules. And so far, despite some media reports and social media comments, supporters have not been approved for not complying with Premier League rules, which display other material representing countries in conflict.”
In Wade’s passionate statement, he spoke about how he sits in hospitality. Therefore, the dress code for this region is “smart casual” and anyone wearing flip-flops, sportswear or replica shirts, regardless of the club, will be denied entry to the ground.
