YOUNGSTERS will be given the chance to watch Premier League games after season ticket holders were banned.

Brighton and Hove Albion banned three fans for life after serious disorder at the FA Cup match against West Bromwich Albion last month.

Seagulls chief executive Paul Barber issued a warning to any thugs wanting to fight at matches to stay well clear of the American Express Community Stadium.

Season tickets were cancelled with immediate effect after three separate incidents which include an attack on a woman working as a crowd doctor, and threats to stab a steward.

But he is determined not to let the ugly scenes ruin the reputation of Albion supporters, and will be giving away the tickets for home games to children’s charities.

The club has worked with the Rocking Horse Children’s Charity which supports the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, children’s disabilities charity Extratime, and Brighton and Hove City Council’s fostering services.

Mr Barber said: “We have no desire whatsoever to profit from the unacceptable and anti-social behaviour of small number of people by re-selling the tickets we have confiscated from them.

“We do however want to put the seats they have vacated to good use throughout the remainder of this season – and, in particular, to give local kids the chance to see Brighton and Hove Albion play Premier League football, who might not otherwise have had that opportunity.

“We felt this was an ideal way to turn a negative into a positive and to continue to fill the Amex with as many young fans as possible as often as possible.

“We are delighted to work with Rocking Horse, Extratime and the City Council, who all do great work with local children, to make this happen.”

The move has been welcomed by the three charities. Extratime chief executive Sam Price said: “We’re so grateful to the Albion for offering tickets for some of our families to attend matches.

“The club has been really accommodating to ensure the young people we support, who have a range of disabilities and additional needs, can enjoy the match day experience, by ensuring wheelchair spaces are available and organising access to the new Inclusion Room.

“Lots of the young people who come to Extratime’s clubs and holiday schemes are big Seagulls fans and they are really excited to have the opportunity to attend a match.

“We’d like to thank the club and Albion in the Community for their continued support of Extratime and wish the team good luck for the game tonight.”