Brighton Report Alleged Homophobic Sign to UEFA in Roma Defeat
Brighton Football Club has requested UEFA to conduct an investigation into an alleged incident of homophobia during their Europa League match against Roma. According to The Athletic, Brighton has provided photographic evidence of a spectator in the home section of the Stadio Olimpico holding up a homophobic sign. This is one of three incidents that Brighton has asked UEFA to look into following their 4-0 defeat in the first leg of the last-16 tie.
The first incident involved missiles being thrown at Brighton fans in the away end by home supporters. Members of Brighton’s security and safety team accompanied a UEFA match delegate to witness this unacceptable behavior, which included bottles, coins, and lighters being hurled towards the visiting supporters.
The second incident that Brighton has asked UEFA to investigate is the controversial VAR decision that allowed Roma’s third goal to stand. Gianluca Mancini scored the goal in the 64th minute, but replays indicated that he was in an offside position when he volleyed in Stephen El Shaarawy’s cross. Brighton believes that the VAR process was flawed and allowed an incorrect decision to be made.
UEFA’s disciplinary body will carefully review reports from the match before taking any action. The Athletic has reached out to Roma for their comments on the matter. It is important for UEFA to thoroughly address these incidents and ensure that appropriate action is taken to maintain the integrity and inclusivity of the game.
In a separate unfortunate incident, Brighton fans suffered leg wounds when they were stabbed as they left a bar in the city the night before the match. Fortunately, the injuries were not serious, and both supporters were discharged from the hospital. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for increased security measures to protect fans and create a safe environment for everyone attending football matches.
Brighton will have an opportunity to turn the tie around in the second leg, which will be held at the Amex Stadium on Thursday. The team and fans alike will be hoping for a positive result as they strive to progress in the Europa League.
It is crucial for UEFA to address these incidents promptly and take appropriate action to prevent such occurrences in the future. The football community must work together to create an inclusive and respectful environment, both on and off the pitch. Only then can we truly celebrate the beautiful game that unites people from all walks of life.