CRYSTAL PALACE fans clashed with police in ugly scenes ahead of the match against Brighton.
Photos emerged on Saturday morning of a group of supporters apparently involved in a dispute with cops.
Crystal Palace supporters clashed with police in Brighton ahead of the M23 derbyCredit: 2020 © Elliott Franks
One man appeared to sustain a head injury and was tended to on the pavementCredit: 2020 © Elliott Franks
One man appeared to sustain a head injury and was attended to on the pavement in the town centre near Brighton train station.
The Eagles take on their M23 rivals at the Amex Stadium at lunchtime, with a heavy police presence including horses at the ground early to try and keep a lid on the tensions.
It was a game selected for TV coverage but police may have advised the Premier League to move the kick-off time forwards due to the rivalry between the two sides.
Despite being nearly 50 miles apart, the two clubs have a fierce rivalry and it’s sure to be a red hot atmosphere on the South Coast.
They are connected by the M23 motorway – where the derby gets its name – and this game is huge for both sets of fans.
It all began in 1976 where Brighton and Palace played each other five times over the course of the 76/77 season.
The first three games ended in draws for the then-third division sides, with tensions eventually boiling over in an FA Cup second-round replay at Stamford Bridge.
During the match, Brighton had what they saw as a legitimate goal ruled out and were forced to retake a penalty, which Brian Horton ultimately missed.
Seagulls boss Alan Mullery was furious with referee Ron Challis and made his feelings known with a rude gesture to the Palace fans.
That spilled out into clashes between fans after the game and from then the clubs have despised each other.
Mullery said in his autobiography: “As I walked back down the tunnel, Palace fans spat all over me.
“I gave them two fingers, then did an awful interview bad-mouthing their supporters and saying I wouldn’t give a fiver for any of the Palace players.
“I could have handled things better, but I just totally lost it. It didn’t go down too well at Selhurst Park and I knew the fans there still held a grudge.”
The tensions began to rise early in the day ahead of the eagerly-anticipated matchCredit: 2020 © Elliott Franks
began in 1976 where Brighton and Palace played each other five times over the course of the 76/77 seasonCredit: 2020 © Elliott Franks
There was a heavy police presence at the Amex Stadium to help control the crowdsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
This Saturday’s Premier league sees Brighton take on Crystal Palace and Watford v Liverpool
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
