Executive denies taking part in rioting

Sami Abulbashar said he was not involved in violence between rival fans which brought terror to the streets of Brighton.

Bottles, chairs and tables were hurled through the windows of the Pump House pub in The Lanes during the clash last year.

A court heard how witnesses cowered in fear as Brighton and Hove Albion supporters attacked Leeds United fans drinking in the city centre pub.

Abulbashar and John Mack were among 15 people arrested after they were identified in pictures from a photographer with the Albion fans.

Abulbashar, 20, told Hove Crown Court yesterday he had been a Seagulls fans for nine years. He went to his first match at the club's former Goldstone ground when he was 12 with a friend who was a ballboy.

But he said he had never been to a home game at Albion's temporary home at Withdean Stadium because he could not afford a season ticket.

Abulbashar, of Stonery Road, Portslade, said he knew the Seagulls were playing Leeds at Withdean on October 23 but did not go to the game.

Instead he went drinking in Brighton with a friend and ended up in the Sussex pub in The Lanes at about 9.30pm.

He said he was aware there were other Albion supporters in the pub because they were talking about the club but said he was not with them.

Abulbashar said: "We were just passing through The Lanes and went to the Sussex for a drink. We did not arrange to go there and I did not know of any arrangement by fans to go there.

"I heard something like glass smashing outside and went to see what was occurring.

"I could see bottles being thrown out of the Pump House and just stood there watching.

"I did not throw a chair or get hold of a chair or hit anyone. After a couple of minutes I walked off to get the bus home."

He said he later read news reports of what had happened but did not hear anything more until police raided his home on November 4 at 5am.

Abulbashar and Mack, 49, of Walmer Crescent, Brighton, both deny violent disorder.

The trial continues.