Brighton host rivals Crystal Palace this Sunday in the Premier League. The police will be out on horseback, double the stewards will be present in the ground, and various other measures will be put in place ahead of the match. But why are these two sides rivals?
There are 45 miles between the Amex Stadium and Selhurst Park, yet when the Seagulls face the Eagles, there’s always hostility between the fans and players.
Embed from Getty ImagesIt wasn’t always like this though, back in the 1960s this fixture would bring huge crowds of up to 30,000 due to the direct railway line between East Croydon and Brighton.
The rivalry stems back to 1976, when the two sides faced off five times in a season. The first three encounters resulted in draws, until tensions escalated in an FA Cup replay at Stamford Bridge.
The first FA Cup meeting ended 2-2 at the Goldstone, whilst the replay at Selhurst finished 1-1, meaning a second replay was needed. It was held at a neutral ground on Monday 6th December, as the previous attempts to get the game played failed due to waterlogged pitches.
Embed from Getty ImagesPaul Holder put Palace in front before Peter Ward had a goal ruled out for handball, despite Ward only handling the ball because he was pushed by Eagles defender Jim Cannon. Brighton did have another chance to equalised 12 minutes before the end when they were given a penalty.
Brian Horton scored from 12 yards but was forced to retake the penalty due to encroachment from Palace players. The goal should have stood as the Palace players clearly gained no advantage, but Horton had to retake it. His second attempt was denied and Brighton were out of the FA Cup.
Albion manager Alan Mullery was understandably furious with the decision, and he saw red at full time after a Palace fan threw a cup of coffee at him. Mullery proceeded to swear at the Palace supporters and threw coins on the floor shouting “That’s all you’re worth, Crystal Palace.”
Embed from Getty ImagesMullery then headed to the opposition changing room, where he threw a five-pound note on the floor and told Eagles boss Terry Venables that was what his team were worth. The Seagulls manager was led away by police and fined £100.
In his autobiography, Mullery wrote: “I gave them [Palace fans] two fingers, then did an awful interview bad-mouthing their supporters and saying I wouldn’t give a fiver for any of the Palace players.
“I could have handled things better, but I just totally lost it.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThat incredible chain of events resulted in what many call the M23 Derby. A rivalry between two teams miles apart but forever linked by the bitterness and controversy of 1976.
The reverse fixture ended goalless as the two sides shared points. However, last time Crystal Palace came to the Amex, they won 3-1 and haven’t lost to the Albion since. Brighton will be looking to get revenge and put on a display similar to their 4-1 win two seasons ago under Roberto De Zerbi.
Fabian Hurzeler is yet to oversee a win against the Eagles but will be hoping Sunday can bring his side a much-needed victory.
Embed from Getty ImagesWritten by Isabelle Martin
INMR FOOTBALL 
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