THOUSANDS of delighted fans were welcomed back to the Amex last night for a Tuesday night clash with the newly-crowned champions.

For the first time this year, about 8,000 supporters watched from the stands as the Albion played Premier League champions Manchester City.

Many fans took advantage of the relaxation of coronavirus rules ahead of the game, enjoying pints inside city pubs before the 7pm kick-off. 

Brett Mendoza, landlord of the Caxton Arms in North Gardens, filled his pub to capacity with Albion fans before the game. 

“There isn’t a table that isn’t going to the game,” Mr Mendoza said  “I’m even going myself, I finish work at 6pm.”

Coronavirus restrictions eased on Monday, allowing publicans to serve people inside. 

For the Caxton Arms, this meant an increase in capacity from 34 to 122. 

Mr Mendoza said: “We’re full and I couldn’t be happier. 

“It’s amazing, it has been lovely to have everyone outside in the garden, but inside was always dead.

“Seeing people inside and out, it’s such a buzz.”

Inside the packed Caxton Arms, some Albion fans enjoyed their first pre-match pint since the coronavirus crisis.

Jordan Webb, 26, said: “So buzzing, I can’t wait. It’s going to be emotional, I know the tears are coming. This will be my first time at a game since February.”

Fans were told to expect delays getting into the stadium due to enhanced checks.

Conor Webb, 23, said: “We’ve been told it’s going to be a slow process getting into the stadium.

“There’s no pints at half-time, only pies.

“It’s nice to being going back to a sense of normality, even if it’s against the champions and we lose by a serious margin.”

Before going to the game, attendees had to fill in a self-certification form. Tom Ward, 26, said: ““It’s going to be good getting back into the North Stand.”

“I’m looking forward to it. I need to remember the words to all the songs.”

Friends Connor Finch-Wright, Nathan Berry, Duncan Stenhouse and Jake Hanks were pictured by The Argus at Brighton Station with a policeman who jumped into the snap.

The Albion fans popped into Wetherspoons before their first game back into the stands.

Connor, who sits in the North Stand, told The Argus: “It’s great to be back mate, it’s been over a year.

“8,000 fans should be a good atmosphere, we are not expecting much, it’s just great to be back.

“We’ve all been split up because of social distancing.”

Fences were placed on a Brighton Station platform to cope with queues of fans.

Everyone - unless they are exempt - was expected to wear a mask at the station. Social distancing reminders were broadcast over the tannoy.

On the train, some people had to stand due to lack of seats, however, all windows on the carriage were kept open.

The club had previously asked fans to travel to the game by car if possible.

Several coronavirus measures were in place to ensure safety while entering the stadium.

A hand-sanitising station greeted fans as they stepped onto the concourse.

Stewards reminded fans within the stadium and whilst queuing, masks were mandatory.

The Argus spotted enthusiastic fan Alice Botting cheering as she made her way into the stadium 15 minutes before kick-off. 

“We don’t even care if we lose 10-0,” Alice said.

“We’re just absolutely buzzing.”