A ‘riot’ broke out in a pub as football fans watched the first leg of Albion’s play-off semi-final.

People reportedly smashed glasses and broke tables in The Ship in High Street, Newhaven, on Friday night as Albion played arch-rivals Crystal Palace.

Witnesses reported the pub was shut for at least two hours as the violence broke out.

Yesterday the pub confirmed that an incident had occurred but did not want to comment further.

A post on the pub’s Facebook page said Brighton and Palace fans enjoyed “a tense game in the right way” at another of Newhaven’s pubs, the White Hart.

It continued: “But it’s sad that I have to apologise to the customers of The Ship whose night was ruined by some of Newhaven’s upstanding citizens for turning a good night into a riot.”

The statement went on to describe the perpetrators as “feral”, adding: “Tables broken, glasses thrown, two hours lost trade and decent people leaving [and] saying they won’t be back.”

Describing the staff as “being in tears”, the post said: “Why, just because we run a pub, should we have to put up with this?

“How about a poll to see if people want to watch the CCTV?

“Like this post if there’s enough interest we’ll post it once the police have finished.

“And yes an apology would be nice but won’t hold my breath.

“BHA [Brighton and Hove Albion] need to look at some of your so-called fans.”

Sussex Police confirmed they attended an incident at the pub.

Commander of Lewes District, Chief Inspector Jason Tingley, said: “There was a fight at The Ship which is being treated as affray.

“There were no serious injuries and one man is in custody.

“A few people were involved and police are still investigating.”

Witnesses should call Sussex Police on 101.

See page 18 for a full preview of where to watch the second leg match tonight – |and how fans could help push Albion to |the final.