Police are stepping in to clear post-match congestion after Albion matches.

Officers plan to turn off traffic lights on Saturday to help clear buses and cars from the American Express Community Stadium more quickly.

They pledged to take a firm line with drivers who misbehave in the stadium’s Bennetts Field car park.

After Tuesday night’s victory over Premier League opponents Sunderland some fans used internet forum North Stand Chat to complain about the traffic lights.

They said the lights held up traffic leaving the stadium from Village Way while The Drove – which leads to the A27 – stood empty.

Drivers reported they were still waiting at midnight. One fan compared the experience to The Eagles’ hit Hotel California and the line “you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave.”

When Albion play Peterborough on Saturday police say they’ll turn off the traffic lights and direct traffic themselves to allow a better flow out of the ground.

The Bennetts Field car park is only accessible to holders of ‘1901 Club’ hospitality tickets.

Sussex Police football liaison officer, PC Darren Balkham, said some drivers verbally abused stewards on Tuesday night, while others refused to give way in “road rage” behaviour.

He said drivers risked being barred from the car park or the ground itself if they behave unacceptably.

He said: “People who are parking there need to comply with what the stewards are telling them to do.

“If they don’t we will deal with those people, or they might find their privileges taken away.

“We were really pleased with the way the fans reacted and dealt with a trying situation going home.”

A spokesman for the club said: “When a crowd of 20,000 or more is the norm, there will inevitably be some delay in getting away after the match.

“This is no different to any other top-class football club - we are no longer playing in front of crowds of 6,000 people at Withdean."

He added the club is "delighted" with the way the transport system is working.