‘I’m president of this f***ing club’ – Brighton’s honorary chief gives HIMSELF 10-match ban after turnstile row
BRIGHTON’s honorary president Dick Knight has handed HIMSELF a 10-match ban after a furious turnstile row when he couldn’t get into Brentford’s stadium.
The Seagulls faced the Bees last Friday and lost 2-0 courtesy of an Ivan Toney brace.
But before kick-off, some Brighton supporters had trouble with the digital ticket system – including honorary life president Knight.
Knight holds a special place in Albion’s history as the man who led efforts to save the club in the 1990s.
The former chairman was captured on video losing his cool when he could not get into Brentford’s stadium.
He fumed: “I am the president of this f**king club.”
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Knight had the backing of a nearby fan, who cheered: “F**king tell them, f**king tell them.
“Thank you very much Dick Knight. Love it. Love it.”
Knight has since apologised for his ‘unbecoming’ X-rated outburst and has handed himself a ten-game ban for his behaviour.
In an official statement, Knight said: “I was initially unable to gain entry to the stadium due to a glitch with my ticket’s bar code which meant the stadium access system failed to recognise my ticket.
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“I understand several other supporters had similar issues.
“In frustration, I behaved in a way that was unbecoming of the club’s president.
“Regrettably, some aspects of my conduct on that evening were captured on video and circulated on social media causing Brighton & Hove Albion, its staff, and me considerable upset and embarrassment.
“In line with the club’s zero tolerance policy for any kind of abusive behaviour, I have therefore accepted that I should step aside from my role as honorary life president for the next ten matches.
“I will not be attending any games or representing the club in any capacity in this period.
“I would like to apologise unreservedly to anyone I offended or upset by my behaviour at Brentford last Friday night, particularly Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion’s staff, who kindly and helpfully ensured my access to the stadium after repeated attempts to use my ticket had failed.
“I will not be making any further comment on this matter.”