Four men accused of fighting at a football match have appeared in court.

Kenan Staplehurst, 23, and Stephen Staplehurst, 41, are charged with affray and causing actual bodily harm to Sam Smith at the Amex Stadium in October, 2021.

Smith, 27, and Jake Smith, 28, also appeared charged with affray after the alleged incident at an Albion match against Manchester City last season.

The Argus: Jake Smith, left, and Sam Smith outside Brighton Magistrates Court Jake Smith, left, and Sam Smith outside Brighton Magistrates Court (Image: The Argus)

Sam Smith, of Carey Road in Eastbourne, and Jake Smith, of Hawthylands Crescent in Hailsham, have pleaded not guilty to affray, while the Staplehursts are yet to indicate a plea.

Appearing at Brighton Magistrates court, the hearing was told that the four were involved in a “violent scuffle” in the stands which saw them removed from the stadium by police.

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Kenan Staplehurst, of Dale Avenue in Hassocks, and Stephen Staplehurst, of Penfold Road in Worthing, then allegedly waited for the other men at the train station, where more punches were thrown.

The Argus: Stephen Staplehurst, right, and Kenan StaplehurstStephen Staplehurst, right, and Kenan Staplehurst (Image: The Argus)

The prosecuting lawyer alleged that Sam Smith had suffered a number of injuries during the incident including a “lifelong affect to his vision”.

Magistrates concluded that the case should be sent to Crown Court for further hearing.

The men will appear at Lewes Crown Court on June 8.