Police have praised football fans for their general behaviour during the Albion v Crystal Palace play-off semi- final on Monday.

A total of six fans were arrested before and after the game at American Express Community Stadium but senior officers said the vast majority of supporters had acted properly. A 34-year-old Brighton man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an Amex steward.

A 54-year-old Copthorne man was arrested on suspicion of homophobic abuse.

A 24-year-old man from Oxted, Surrey, was arrested on suspicion of homo- phobic chanting. A 46-year-old Brighton man was arrested on suspicion of breach of the peace. A 20-year-old Hove man and a 42-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.

Chief Inspector Paul Betts, who led the policing operation, said: “Once again, we have seen that the vast majority of supporters from both sides can enjoy the enormous rivalry that exists between these two sides without it degenerating into violence and disorder.

“There were a few sporadic incidents following the match, but these appear to have mostly been amongst groups of disappointed fans and not from clashes between the groups.

“Along with British Transport Police colleagues, we also dealt with a number of incidents on board trains leaving Falmer in both directions.

"I should like to thank everyone who co-operated with club stewards and police before, during and after the match and ensured that we were able to keep disruption and delays to a minimum.” Sussex Police were joined by col- leagues from five neighbouring forces, including mounted officers from Thames Valley.