Sussex Police has warned it has been left with little time to organise plans for Albion’s play-off fixtures.

But football liaison officer Darren Balkham said Seagulls fans were “hardy” and would overcome the scheduling obstacles.

Police and fans criticised the timing of the games, which have left organisers with just a few days to arrange transportation for two of the biggest games in the club’s history.

The task has been made all the more difficult because Albion’s most likely opponents will be deadly rivals Crystal Palace.

The club will only know which team it will face in the first round of the play-offs and on what day at the end of Saturday’s fixtures – the last of the regular season.

The first leg, to be played away, will be on Thursday, May 9 or Friday, May 10 next week, with the return on Sunday, May 12 or Monday, May 13.

Southern is looking to provide extra services for away fans at both of Albion’s forthcoming play-off semi-finals.

PC Balkham said plans would be in place to manage the fixtures and the club’s fans would be able to cope with the short notice.

He said: “It is an unprecedented short amount of time between the end of the season and the first play-off games.

“If it’s Crystal Palace, then we have a very good template from the game in March which we know is fit for purpose.

Hardy fans

“Football fans are very hardy and regardless of what Sky Sports and the Football league throw at them, they will get there. If there’s no trains, coaches or cars, fans would walk to Crystal Palace regardless.

“We are aware that it could go into extra time and penalties and we have requested that is reflected in transport times.”

PC Balkham said his colleagues at British Transport Police had held discussions with Southern with regards to supporters and a request had been made with Southern to get a special train on Monday.

Meanwhile, West Yorkshire Police say they have received no reports of homophobic abuse in relation to Leeds United striker El Hadji Diouf’s gesture to Albion fans at Saturday’s game.

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