ALBION have paid tribute to a longstanding fan who lost his life in the September 11 terror attacks on the 20th anniversary of his death.
Devoted Seagulls fan Robert Eaton was one of more than 2,500 people who lost their lives during the attack on the Twin Towers in New York.
Robert, who lived in New York, was working on the 105th floor of the World Trade Centre when it was struck by a hijacked airplane in 2001.
Today marks the 20th anniversary of the event that changed air travel and shaped western foreign policy, sparking the beginning of the invasion of Iraq and war in Afghanistan.
Robert's name sits alongside thousands of others on a memorial in New York, he is also remembered locally, with Albion fans running a charity named in his honour.
The Robert Eaton Memorial Fund was launched in the wake of the tragedy and has gone on to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for good causes across the world.
Albion deputy chairman and chief executive Paul Barber said: “Robert Eaton’s name lives on and is remembered so regularly due to the amazing work of the memorial fund.
"It’s amazing that so much positivity and so many lives have been impacted and benefitted from such a tragedy.
"That’s testament to the hard work and fundraising undertaken by the committee.
"The annual match between supporters of Brighton and Hove Albion and Crystal Palace has become an eagerly anticipated fixture in the calendar.
"It also shows that even the most fiercest of football rivalries can be such a power for good, but most importantly it keeps Robert’s memory alive.”
The anniversary falls less than two weeks after the end of US war in Afghanistan, which has lasted for almost two decades.
The war was launched weeks after the 9/11 attacks to retaliate against al-Qaida terrorists and the Taliban, who provided them safe haven.
US President Joe Biden has found support from the public for ending the conflict but has faced sharp criticism, even from allies, for the chaotic evacuation of US troops and allied Afghans during the final two weeks of August.
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