THERE are some fierce rivalries in football, and these rivalries help to add more spice to ordinary fixtures.

Brighton and Hove Albion’s “M23 derby” with Crystal Palace has given us some incredible highs and lows over the years.

The win on Tuesday was undoubtedly a high for the Seagulls.

But it was marred by scenes of police marching Palace supporters through the streets with riot gear and police horses.

There was aggressive and abusive chanting on the trains which would not have been pleasant for ordinary members of the public just trying to get home.

Overall, the match passed off peacefully, but recently we have been given reminders of the dark days of football hooliganism.

There is no need for it.

There were objects thrown onto the pitch, and reported scuffles in the city centre.

At the weekend we reported on the homophobic abuse directed at the away supporters by Huddersfield fans, and we also saw the ugly scenes of a banana skin being thrown by a Spurs fan at Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

We all love a derby game, but such ugly sentiments and abuse are not welcome in the beautiful game.

Back in the 1970s, football hooliganism became a scourge for the game. Attendances dropped, and supporters and football clubs all suffered because of it.

Now attendances have been back on the rise, families and children feel welcome to attend the game, and this welcoming atmosphere is how football should be.

No one minds competitive rivalry and even banter at other clubs’ expense, but it should not be violent or abusive.