Brighton’s European adventure starts with costly flights, no UK TV and stalemate in Tromso | OneFootball

Brighton began their Conference League play-off with a goalless draw at Tromso, leaving travelling supporters counting the cost and those at home without TV coverage.

Fabian Hurzeler’s side created the clearer chances but were denied repeatedly by Jakob Haugaard, Wigan’s keeper in the 2-1 that sealed Brighton’s 2017 promotion. After the break Heine Larsen was foiled by Bart Verbruggen and, late on, Isak Vadebu dragged wide.

According to NY Times, just over 400 away tickets were available at the compact Romssa Arena, capacity under 6,700, and summer travel is awkward to a city without direct UK flights.

EasyJet added a direct service in early August, which owner-chairman Tony Bloom and many fans used, but returns were around £450-£600, later £600-£800, far above November fares that start at £122. The airline was unavailable for comment.

With TNT Sports’ package excluding qualifying and play-off rounds, Tromso controlled the rights and offered a £12 stream via SolidSport for UK viewers.

Those who made it north were thanked when Brighton’s players paid for their match tickets, scarves and T-shirts. Planning was squeezed, with Tromso only confirmed a week before the tie after a 5-0 win at Cluj and a 2-1 home victory.

An early kick-off helped, yet the squad’s overnight return cuts into preparation for Sunday’s league opener against Aston Villa. Brighton should finish the job at the Amex next Thursday, which would mean more travel, and expense, in the group stage.

Source: NY Times

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