The AMEX stadium returned to full capacity for the first time since the introduction of Coronavirus measures for the team’s final pre-season friendly match.
Fans were invited back for the final game of last season versus Manchester City, however attendance on that day was limited to 10,000 people or 25% to match the current restrictions for the time period.
A return to the traditional capacity stadium setting is now a reality as the new season draws near, with the weekend’s fixture proving a jubilant one for the Brighton and Hove Albion Supporters despite the result.
Despite losing 2-0 to Spanish La Liga team Getafe, there was very little sadness as fans returned home to cheer and support the players both old and new.
Online sentiments showed that rather than focusing on the result, they were just happy to reconnect with other fans they hadn’t seen for 18 months and get back to enjoying the kinds of freedoms that have long been deemed impossible.
Manager Graham Potter spoke after the match to discuss how tough a match they had faced, knowing that the challenge was exactly what was expected as they prepare to return to Premier League action.
He remarked that “It was what you want from the last match of pre-season. The first half was a bit even, but we weren’t quite as good as we like to be.
“But credit to them, they had a good shape.
“In the second half, I thought we played better. We were more threatening for sustained periods. In the end the result is what it is but pleasing for us to get Lewis and Adam more time on the pitch.”
Brighton are set to open their 2021/22 campaign this Saturday, away against Burnley before returning for their first home fixture at the AMEX versus Watford at 5:30pm on the 21st August.
Photo Credit: Nathan Rogers
