A mural depicting Seagulls captain Bruno was daubed with paint ahead Albion's clash with Crystal Palace. 

The huge portrait paying homage to the Albion skipper which adorns the side of Gelato Gusto in Brighton's North Laine was defaced on Monday night. 

This morning much of the paint has been removed but the graffiti sparked further concerns about the contentious match between the bitter rivals tonight. 

Police have warned they fear fans may clash in the city centre before and after the 7.45pm match. 

Albion fans have been told to drink in the pubs near the station and Palace fans in West Street to avoid violence. 

Follow a live blog of the build up to the match here later. 

For a full report on the game see tomorrow's Argus.