Sussex Police thank fans following today's football clash

5:56pm Sunday 17th March 2013 in News By Anna Roberts, Crime reporter

Chief Inspector Paul Betts has thanked fans for their support following today's match.

He said: "There was a small number of potential flashpoints between rival groups of fans at Brighton and Falmer railway stations, but these involved a small minority and we were able to deal with them very quickly.

"I should like to thank supporters from both sides who heeded appeals from the clubs, supporters' groups and the police to enjoy the game in a spirit of rivalry, not violence.

"We did have to hold back some Crystal Palace fans for 10-15 minutes while we waited for their train to arrive. This was for public safety reasons and I thank them for their patience while this happened.

"Today has shown that Albion v Palace matches can be played without the disorder that has taken place in recent years.

"Hopefully, we can move forward to a point where everyone can look forward to these fixtures for all the right sporting reasons."

Comments(3)

Plantpot says...
8:01am Mon 18 Mar 13

I was on a train heading towards East Brighton some time ago. Three young lads got on, maybe 10-11 years old. As we headed out of Brighton towards London Road, the guys looked at the rows of terraced houses, and one said something along the lines of: "Look at that lot - but at least we don't live in Selhurst, what a sh*****e" that place is." They then went on to recount stories of when they'd been with their dads, uncles etc. where there had been fan confrontations at football, at least we don't live in Croydon etc.

I just felt so sorry for these kids, and grateful that my own have nothing to do with it.

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ThinkBrighton says...
9:54am Mon 18 Mar 13

It was a game, a match, a friendly confrontation, NOT a clash, this implies an air of violence,

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bikerjimbo says...
12:42pm Mon 18 Mar 13

I agree it is a game BUT the past fixtures with Palace have produced several violent clashes over the years. The policing at the game and surrounding areas meant that it was a well controlled environment. Many officers but all deployed sensibly and non confrontational thus ensuring safe passage for all fans. Some coins were thrown at us in the south stand from the palace 'fans' but the result deflated them rather than stirred them up. In fact at one point they were verbally aggressive to their team, not ours. Very well policed and it's nice that their thanks is covered in the article. UTA

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