The Football Association may fine Brighton and Hove Albion following fan trouble at the club's away match at Chesterfield last Saturday.

Referee Mike Ryan has reported the supporters' behaviour to the FA and the association is now asking Chesterfield for their views.

Trouble flared after Albion were beaten by a goal in the 90th minute of their top-of-the-table clash.

There were four arrests and reports of coin-throwing and spitting at officials and stewards by Albion fans.

The FA's Adrian Titcombe, responsible for crowd issues, is investigating and has asked Chesterfield for their views. An FA spokesman said: "If it is appropriate, Brighton and Hove could be fined."

Bill Kenworthy, Chesterfield's safety officer, said: "The referee expressed concerns to me about coins and plastic bottles being thrown.

"A lot of Brighton fans arrived here early and had visited pubs before coming to the ground. We turned a few away who had had too much to drink.

"Right up to the time of the goal their behaviour was very good. Then a fracas took place between Albion and home fans and stewards stepped in and ejected one Brighton supporter.

Then an attempted pitch invasion was thwarted by stewards, some of whom were manhandled, Mr Kenworthy said.

He added: "There was one quite serious altercation outside the ground. There were four arrests and there would have been more had there been more police around."

Mr Kenworthy said some Albion fans had complained about the behaviour of one steward and he had since been sacked: "I can't go into details because it is an internal matter but his conduct was unacceptable."

He said the trouble was the worst at Chesterfield this season and he hoped it would not be repeated when the club travels to Albion's ground at Withdean.

He said: "There were more than 2,000 Brighton fans visiting, a magnificent effort, and the vast majority had a good day."

Martin Perry, Albion's chief executive, said the club had not been notified of the FA's investigation but he said the club itself was looking into the incident.

He said: "There are videos which we have handed to Sussex Police.

"If we can identify those involved we will take action - and that could mean lifetime bans."

He said the club would not tolerate "totally unacceptable" behaviour of a tiny number of so-called fans: "They are no friends of the Albion."