Chelsea fans arrested after station clash at Brighton friendly

Football fans kicked a 50-year-old man in the head and left him nursing bite marks on his stomach on their way to the recent Brighton vs Chelsea pre-season friendly.

British Transport Police (BTP) were called to Falmer Station at around 3.15pm after reports a man had been attacked at the station having got off the train from Brighton.

Inspector Gary Ancell, based at Brighton BTP station on Queens Road, said, “An altercation took place between two men and the victim, a 50-year-old man from Manchester, on a Brighton to Falmer train. The victim left the train at Falmer station, but was followed by the two men into the station toilets and assaulted.

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“During the ordeal, the victim was kicked and punched to the floor, before being repeatedly kicked in the head and body. As a result of the assault the victim received numerous wounds, including bite marks to his stomach.”

Two men were arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. They have since been released on police bail pending further enquiries, due to return on Friday, August 24.

Police say all three are believed to be Chelsea supporters.

Insp Ancell added, “This is an extremely rare incident and the majority of football fans travel through Sussex problem-free. We will continue to work closely with Brighton &Hove Albion Football Club, Sussex Police and train operating companies to ensure match days are as safe as any other day to travel on the rail network.”

Anyone with information about the incident should call 0800 40 50 40.