Two stewards needed hospital treatment and several suffered minor injuries during crowd disorder outside the Amex at Albion's clash against Crystal Palace last night.

Palace supporters without tickets tried to force their way into the stadium after kick-off.

The disorder led to some visiting fans with tickets being denied entry.

Albion issued a statement on the trouble following the 0-0 draw.

The statement said: "The vast majority of supporters who came to the match were a credit to both clubs - but sadly a minority came intent on causing disorder, which left several stewards with minor injuries, and one steward from each club hospitalised.

"A number of Crystal Palace fans travelled to the stadium without tickets, arriving after kick-off, some with the aim of forcing entry into the away end at 7.48pm - three minutes after the match kicked off.

"The club made the decision to close the turnstiles at 7.51pm - six minutes into the game - and with the support of Sussex Police, we made the further decision to let no further supporters into the ground in the interest of public safety.

"A group of approximately 150 fans - some with tickets - were then escorted back to Falmer station, and onto Brighton Station, before being placed on a train back to London."

Chief executive Paul Barber says Albion were right, in the circumstances, to deny entry to some ticket holders.

He said: "Firstly, we hope the two stewards hospitalised in the disorder have not suffered serious injuries.

"The disorder was caused by a minority of individuals who attempted to gain entry to the stadium without tickets.

"Thanks to the swift action of the club’s stewarding team, supported by Sussex Police, we avoided further, major disorder - and while some genuine fans were left extremely disappointed and unable to get into the stadium, the correct decisions were made.

"I'd like to thank the majority of fans of both clubs for their good behaviour and patience in complying with the instructions of our stewards and police."

Police have launched an investigation into the incident and Albion will be sharing CCTV images to identify culprits.

Fans with tickets who were denied entry to the away end have been told to contact Crystal Palace's ticket office for refund information.