Police officer hit by missile at Brighton-Crystal Palace match
Three people have been arrested following disorder surrounding the match at the Amex
Three men have been arrested following a series of anti-social behaviour incidents around the Amex Stadium before and after Brighton's Premier League match with rivals Crystal Palace.
One saw a police officer suffer a head injury while patrolling a cordon outside before the game on Wednesday night (March 15th), reportedly after being hit by a missile thrown from the crowd
Sussex Police confirmed that one was detained in Kemp Street, close to Brighton station, prior to the match and was issued with a Section 35 dispersal order notice to leave the area.
A 21-year-old man and a 27-year-old man were arrested at a premises near the station on suspicion of affray.
A section 35 dispersal order notice was issued to an 18-year-old man before entry to the Amex Stadium for homophobic chanting.
A Sussex Police spokesperson said:
"Sussex Police works with partners including Southern Rail, British Transport Police, the Premier League, and Brighton and Hove Albion to manage the safe arrival and departure of supporters from the Amex Community Stadium.
"There were queues at Brighton Station, however this is common and sometimes causes some late arrivals on match days.
"Rail services operated as advertised, and no request was made to delay kick-off.
"We’d like to thank the vast majority of fans who behaved responsibly before, during and after the game.
"Working with partners including the club and emergency services colleagues, our aim is to ensure the day is as safe and enjoyable as possible for everyone attending."
Brighton won the match 1-0, with the only goal coming from Solly March in the 15th minute.
It proved to be Patrick Vieira's final game as Crystal Palace manager, as the Frenchman was sacked by the club on Friday following a run with just one win in 13 Premier League games, leaving them just three points off the relegation zone.
Brighton are seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Liverpool, and host Grimsby Town in the quarter-final of the FA Cup on Sunday (March 19th).