ALBION fans could face travel chaos as rail strikes are set to clash with the Seagulls’ match against Crystal Palace later this month.

Brighton will face off against their long-time rivals on September 17 at the Amex - the same day that thousands of RMT rail workers are set to walk out as part of an ongoing dispute over pay.

Govia Thameslink Railway, which operates services to and from Falmer station - the closest to the stadium, has urged people not to travel on previous RMT strike days, with limited trains running to and from Brighton and no services running to the east and west of the county.

It is likely that no trains will operate from Falmer on September 17, causing misery for thousands of football fans with tickets to the fixture.

Some 40,000 RMT members are set to take part in the industrial action across the country later this month, which the union says will “effectively shut down” Britain’s rail network.

The Argus: RMT members picketed outside Brighton station earlier this summer in their continuing dispute over payRMT members picketed outside Brighton station earlier this summer in their continuing dispute over pay

General secretary of the RMT Mike Lynch said that members had “no choice but to continue this strike action”.

He said: “Network Rail and the train operating companies have shown little interest these past few weeks in offering our members anything new in order for us to be able to come to a negotiated settlement.

“Transport secretary Grant Shapps continues his dereliction of duty by staying in his bunker and shackling the rail industry from making a deal with us.

“We will continue to negotiate in good faith, but the employers and government need to understand our industrial campaign will continue for as long as it takes.”

Revised timetables for the strike days later this month have yet to be published.

A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: “Yet again, union leaders are choosing self-defeating, co-ordinated strike action over constructive talks, not only disrupting the lives of millions who rely on these services but jeopardising the future of the railways and their own member’s livelihoods.”

In their last match against each other, Albion drew with Crystal Palace 1-1 at the Amex.

The Seagulls are currently fourth in the Premier League with The Eagles in 13th.