Brighton fans 'stabbed and robbed by masked gang' in Rome ahead of Europa League clash

Two Brighton fans have been stabbed in Rome ahead of their side's Europa League match.

A Police spokesperson said that two supporters, aged 28 and 27, were attacked just after midnight on Thursday morning in the Monti neighbourhood of the Italian capital by a gang of "six of seven people wearing masks."

La Repubblica reports that the victims suffered stab wounds to the legs and had their wallets and documents stolen.

According to Corriere Della Sera, the two fans were taken to the San Giovanni hospital and the Umberto I Polyclinic for treatment.

On Thursday morning Police liaison officer to the club, PC Darren Balkham, posted on X: "We are aware of the incident reported in Italian media last night. Have spoken to both Brighton fans who are ok. We reiterate the advice of the club published on the pre match info."

Before travelling to Rome, Brighton urged their supporters to "be vigilant, take precautions and take out valid travel insurance," and recommended fans "avoid going around the city showing flags and colours of the club."

There have been many previous incidents of Italian football ultras attacking supporters of English clubs.

Manchester City fans were targeted when they travelled to Naples in 2011, while Liverpool fan Sean Cox was left with life-changing brain injuries after he was assaulted by a Roma fan outside Anfield in 2018.

Manchester United and Liverpool fans were attacked when they visited Rome in the 2000s.

Brighton will face Roma in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie on Thursday afternoon.

3,500 Seagulls fans will be at the Stadio Olimpico to see their team play a European knockout match for the first time.

Roberto De Zerbi's side will host Roma in the return fixture on Thursday March 14.

Liverpool and West Ham are the other two sides in the competition. On Thursday Jurgen Klopp's side will face Sparta Prague in the Czech Republic while the Hammers are in Germany to take on Freiburg.