Police have launched an investigation into ugly scenes during and after Albion's match against Chesterfield at Withdean on Friday night.

They had to escort Chesterfield manager Nicky Law off the pitch and onto the team coach following a stormy 2-2 draw.

Players from both sides clashed in the dressing rooms after the final whistle and Law was accused by Brighton boss Peter Taylor of winding up his team, staff and fans.

Taylor branded his behaviour as an "absolute disgrace."

Trouble erupted during the game when a number of Albion fans left their seats in the south stand to remonstrate with Law.

It flared up again once police had escorted Law back to the dressing rooms.

Chief Inspector Ian Davies, the match commander, said: "A combination of factors led to a number of Brighton supporters leaving their seats, coming down onto the running track and assembling behind the dugouts, where some abuse was exchanged.

"There was an incident later on in the dressing rooms between players from both clubs.

"We have liaised with the FA representative and the match officials and we will be conducting an investigation into the whole circumstances surrounding the disorder.

"It's necessary for us to conduct a thorough investigation into the behaviour both of people on the benches and of those people behind the dugouts."

Police made one arrest outside the ground.

Taylor said: "It was all down to their manager. He was an absolute disgrace. He seemed to just wind everybody up.

"He was just slaughtering our players during the game, telling everybody we were rubbish, then he started having a few words about me as well. In the end he wound my staff up and the supporters.

"Police brought him over to the changing room. Unfortunately he was then just left there in front of us and we had to all walk past him.

"He started to wind things up again and there was pushing and shoving."

Albion blew a two-goal lead provided by Bobby Zamora and Lee Steele and with it the chance to return to the top of the table.

Mark Innes levelled late on for Chesterfield after second half substitute Paul Rogers had been sent-off for a second bookable offence.

Brentford, who beat Northampton 3-0 at Griffin Park, are the new leaders and Albion have dropped to third behind Stoke.

Meanwhile Albion striker Scott Ramsay has joined Bognor on loan.

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