Brighton’s honorary president Dick Knight got into a rage after he was denied access to Brentford’s stadium due to a ticket glitch and banned himself for 10 matches for making a foul-mouth rant.
Dick Knight has handed himself a 10-match ban after a heated assault-like clash following his access denial as he couldn’t get into Brentford’s stadium to watch his team play last week Friday.
Brighton faced Brentford last Friday, October 14, and lost 2-0 as Ivan Toney gave the Bees a brace. But before kick-off, some Brighton fans had trouble with the digital ticket system, including the club’s honorary life president Dick Knight.
Knight, who delivered Brighton from financial ruin in the 1990s, got into a mess using Brentford’s digital ticket system, alongside a few other Seagulls supporters.
This infuriated the former Brighton’s chairman and the dodgy system provoked Knight to launch a foul-mouthed tirade in which he fumed: “I am the president of this f**king club.”
He was captured on video losing his patience when he could not get into Brentford’s stadium in the premier league match between the Seagulls and Brentford last week Friday.
To prove this whole ticket checking system is a shambles, here’s dick knight (the clubs president) almost being refused entry into tonight’s game #Bhafc #Brentford pic.twitter.com/US7YxVIx7d
— joppy (@jordanjopp) October 14, 2022
Dick Knight has, however, apologized for his ‘unbecoming’ X-rated tirade and has handed himself a ten-match ban for his outburst.
In an official statement, Knight explained how he couldn’t gain access to watch the match due to technical issues.
He said: “At Brentford, 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. 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.”
He fourther revealed his decision to go on a ten-match ban while apologizing for his behavior and humiliating the club, Knight said: “In line with the club’s zero-tolerance policy for any kind of abusive behavior, 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.”
The former Brighton’s chairman; a post he held from 1997 to 2009, and honorary president Knight would likely be delighted he wasn’t in the stands to watch Brighton’s 2-0 defeat to Brentford.
During the game, it was not only Dick Knight that had issues, Ivan Toney of Brentford, who scored the brace was racially abused on social media by one of Brighton’s supporters.
Meanwhile, It was the fourth time Brighton has failed to win since their former coach Graham Potter left the club for Chelsea.
What’s Next?
Dick Knight’s decision to stay away from the action means he’ll miss Brighton’s Premier League match against Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.
The Seagulls have the enormous task of suppressing the attacking threat of Erling Haaland and other City stars which Brighton’s defender Joel Veltman believes is possible if they ‘sandwich’ the Norwegian striker.
Kickoff time: 15:00 BST
Venue: Etihad Stadium
