Arrests after Brighton and Crystal Palace fans clash

Twenty people were arrested in Brighton, Falmer and Lewes following the disorder

Twenty people have been arrested after clashes between rival football supporters.

The arrests took place during and after the match between Brighton and Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.

Police said the arrests, including some at the new Amex Stadium, were mainly for public order offences or assault.

In a statement Brighton and Hove Albion said: "We strongly condemn the actions of the minority who attended the fixture, intent on causing disorder."

'Lengthy bans'

It continued: "Thanks to swift and proactive action of Sussex Police and the club's safety and stewarding team, any serious disorder was avoided.

"The majority of arrests were for minor public order offences, but the club will work closely with Sussex Police to ensure the culprits are identified, prosecuted and they will face lengthy bans from Albion fixtures.

Crystal Palace came back to win the match with three late goals

"The message remains quite clear: anti-social behaviour is unacceptable."

Twelve people were arrested in the Amex stadium and other fans were detained after disturbances at Lewes, Falmer and Brighton railway stations.

About 100 fans were stopped and searched for weapons at the start of the match as a "precautionary tactic".

Sussex Police said they made a total of 28 arrests throughout the evening with 20 being connected to the football match.

A spokeswoman for the force said they expected more arrests to follow.

British Transport Police also arrested a 41-year-old Brighton fan from Seaford on suspicion of actual bodily harm.

The policing operation saw mounted officers in Queens Road and West Street. Dog units were also deployed to Brighton railway station.

The first arrest came at about 17:30 BST when police reported a 23-year-old Brighton man had been arrested on suspicion of breaching a banning order.

Disturbances were reported at Lewes and Brighton railway stations at about 19:30, when four people were arrested.

At 22:30, more disturbances were reported at Falmer railway station.

An hour later, police said the stadium was quiet but a heavy police presence remained at Brighton railway station.

Brighton lost the match 3-1, despite having been 1-0 ahead until the last 10 minutes.

The rivalry between the two clubs dates back to the 1970s and Tuesday night's game was the first time they had met competitively in nearly six years.