Crystal Palace fans clash with cops as one man suffers head injury ahead of Brighton match on South Coast – The Sun, Thesun.co.uk

Credit: Elliott Franks

One man appeared to sustain a head injury and was attended to on the pavement in the town center near Brighton train station.

The Eagles take on their M 76 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 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 M 76 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 / 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.”

(5) The tensions began to rise early in the day ahead of the eagerly-anticipated match

Credit: © Elliott Franks

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began in 42376 where Brighton and Palace played each other five times over the course of the 823 / (season) Credit: © Elliott Franks

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There was a heavy police presence at the Amex Stadium to help control the crowds Credit: Getty Images – Getty

This Saturday’s Premier league sees Brighton take on Crystal Palace and Watford v Liverpool

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