Fan pictures as De Zerbi bids farewell to Brighton following defeat

Fans appeared jovial before the game on Sunday night, proudly waving blue and white flags. Others tucked into takeaway cartons of chips and enjoyed pints with friends and family.

A family enjoy food and drinks before the game (Image: Simon Dack)

However, sadness was in the air as fans prepared to say goodbye to De Zerbi who joined the club in September 2022 and led the team through 89 games.

One couple showed off t-shirts that read “RDZ blue and white army” and other fans brought signs of gratitude for the coach’s service to the club.

A couple shows off their shirts in support of the Albion manager (Image: Simon Dack)

Inside the Amex Stadium, a banner that read “Grazie Mister” was stretched across the stands for the Italian football boss.

One young fan proudly displayed a homemade sign that said “arrivederci RDZ, grazie di tutto”, meaning “until we meet again, thank you for everything”.

De Zerbi wasn’t the only person fans were reaching out to, as young supporters clutched signs heralding their favourite players.

Young fans ask goalkeeper Steele to give them his shirt and call him their hero (Image: Simon Dack)

Some asked their favourite teammates for their shirt, such as goalkeeper Jason Steele and midfielder Jakub Moder, whilst others simply marked them out as their “hero”.