Brighton Manager Fabian Hurzeler Endorses Amex Stadium Safe Standing Initiative

Brighton’s manager, Fabian Hurzeler, has voiced his approval for the planned implementation of safe standing at the Amex Stadium, commending the club for being “open to new things.” The club, known as “The Seagulls,” disclosed its intentions on Wednesday to introduce safe standing in the stadium’s north stand, effective from the beginning of the 2025-26 season. Brighton stated that the safe standing section would emulate the setup at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium, featuring a rail installed in front of each seat, and requiring fans to remain in their designated positions throughout the match. Safe standing is already a feature in several European leagues, including in Germany, where Hurzeler previously held a managerial role. “Honestly, I think it is a great thing,” he informed reporters during a news conference held to preview Friday’s game against Southampton. He continued, “I experienced great atmospheres in the Bundesliga. In German stadiums it is normal some people are standing, especially normal in my former club St Pauli.” Hurzeler added, “What I experienced, I don’t know if it is because they are standing or not, but it was great support. Very loud support, very emotional support.” Expressing his enthusiasm, he stated, “It is great that we do it, I really love it. I also really love that we are open to new things, this club shows they are open for new things and to do things in a different way. They like to make decisions like others have not done before. That is something that I really appreciate and that is my thinking and mindset too.” He concluded by saying, “So let’s see how it goes and maybe in two or three years we are sitting here and the whole stadium is standing and this is just the starting point. Let’s see how this develops.”