Brighton fans remain hopeful ahead of Roma match

Brighton & Hove Albion fans say they remain confident that the club's European journey will continue – this season or another.

The Seagulls trail AS Roma 4-0 heading into the second leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie tonight.

Optimistic Albion fan Darren McKay said if Brighton were able to score an early goal, “who knows what might happen?”

Fellow supporter Ady Packham said: “If we don’t get through, let’s hope we don’t wait another 123 years to do it again.”

Albion were thumped 4-0 by AS Roma in Italy last week.

Mr McKay said while progression was near impossible, there was always a chance.

“Coming back from four down against an Italian side? We've got absolutely no chance,” he said.

“But nick an early goal and get another before half-time and who knows what might happen?”

He said each away trip had been “a celebration of our wonderful football club”.

“Having seen Albion take on Aldershot, Mansfield and Rochdale, it never seemed possible that we could face Ajax, Marseille and Roma,” he said.

Meanwhile, Albion fan Ted Mckechnie said he believed more supporters should “believe anything is possible”.

“Everyone knows we are capable of winning 5-0 or losing 5-0 against anyone, so you can never rule it out,” he said.

“Every single player needs to put in an eight-out-of-10 performance. And with a home crowd up for it and our home record under De Zerbi, anything is possible.”

Mr Packham said he hoped the club's venture into European football was not a “one off”.

“The chances of getting out of the tie alive are slim to none, but stranger things have happened,” he said.

“If we do fail to get through, one thing is for certain - the players, staff and fans have enjoyed this journey and will be hungry for more.”

Before the reverse fixture, two Albion supporters were stabbed.

UEFA said it has launched an investigation after objects were thrown into the away end.

There will be an increased police presence in Brighton ahead of tonight's match, Sussex Police said.

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