Brighton fan speaks after being stabbed before Europa game

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A Brighton & Hove Albion supporter, one of the two fans who were stabbed in Italy prior to a match with Roma, has shared his experience with the BBC.

Jack Stephenson was assaulted in the Italian capital on Wednesday night and endured a 13-hour hospital stay.

Despite receiving three stitches in his leg, he was determined to attend the game at the Stadio Olimpico.

Mr Stephenson said: “Nothing was going to stop me from getting to the match, even if it was not a good result in the end.”

Speaking to BBC South East Today, he said: “I’m quite glad it happened to me and not someone else in my group, as a lot of people who I was out with were older.”

Mr Stephenson said he did not get a crutch after leaving the hospital, “which was not good because I could barely walk”.

“I used social media to see if anyone had a spare crutch around by chance but luckily the hotel I was staying at had a spare one – albeit it was a child’s one,” he said.

Upon entering the stadium on Thursday prior to the match, he was greeted by fellow Seagulls fans who sang his name as he took his seat.
He commended the efforts of the club’s staff, who visited him, along with the Italian authorities and Sussex Police. Mr. Stephenson was scheduled to fly home on Friday.

“All these European trips have been great and I have still enjoyed myself in Rome,” he said.

Despite not being able to play football due to his injuries, Mr Stephenson intends to watch Bognor Regis v Hornchurch on Saturday then watch Brighton’s next game on Sunday, at home to Nottingham Forest.