A police operation was in effect on Saturday, as rival football teams Brighton & Hove Albion FC (BHAFC) and Crystal Palace FC (CPFC) faced off at the Amex Stadium. The match, which started at 3pm, was under tight security with officers from Sussex Police, the Metropolitan Police, and the British Transport Police (BTP) collaborating to ensure public safety.
In anticipation of the high-profile match, authorities had a substantial police presence throughout the city and particularly around Brighton Station. Efforts to keep peace between the rival fan groups saw CPFC supporters rerouted away from Queens Road to the station’s rear, where they were escorted to the stadium. In contrast, Brighton fans were temporarily held back to prevent any clashes, a measure stemming from a historical rivalry dating back to the 1970s.
Despite the majority of fans enjoying the game responsibly, the day was not without incident. Sussex Police later reported that an officer was injured before the match commenced, a result of a pyrotechnic device thrown near Brighton Station. Thankfully, the officer did not require hospital treatment and is currently recovering.
The police operation led to seven arrests for various offences, including assault, assault on an emergency worker, affray, and violations of the Public Order Act, with two cases exacerbated by homophobia. A Sussex Police spokesperson commended most fans for their conduct but lamented the actions of a disruptive minority. “Officers responded as necessary, and any individuals caught committing offences will be dealt with robustly,” the spokesperson added.
