Brighton and Hove Albion is warning about

possible hooligan violence at the forthcoming grudge match with arch rivals Crystal Palace.

Chief executive Martin Perry is urging fans to report any yobs they suspect of planning trouble before, during or after the game at Selhurst Park on Tuesday, October 18.

The club is working to avoid a repeat of ugly scenes at the same fixture two years ago, when Albion supporters complained of heavy-handed treatment at the hands of the Metropolitan Police.

Mr Perry said: "It would be fair to say that many people see this fixture as one of the most important in our Championship calendar. It is also possible that some people could attach themselves to the game for all the wrong reasons in the hope there will be some disorder.

"At a time when the Premier League is attracting criticism for being uninteresting, the Championship is demonstrating that it is arguably the most competitive English league, providing a roller coaster ride of thrills, successes and disappointments and nail-biting finishes but, above all, it is entertaining and fun to watch for all the family.

"So on the 18th please remember that we are going to Selhurst Park on another chapter in that absorbing roller coaster.

"Supporters from both sides are entitled to enjoy it without worrying that a tiny minority will cause any kind of problem.

"At the same fixture two years ago, some fans expressed concern at the tactics of the Metropolitan police in dealing with the Brighton fans at the end of the game.

"Sussex Police and the club have been in conversations with the Met and have been assured that the police tactics will be proportionate to any threat posed by anyone who tries to cause trouble.

"The club encourages anyone with information about people who are thinking of going to the match for any reason other than supporting their club to contact Darren Balkham, the Sussex Police football liaison officer, on 01273 665518.

"Let us do everything we can to ensure that the match passes peacefully and sportingly, is great fun to watch -and ends with an Albion victory."

Three extra trains are being laid on for Albion fans from Norwood Junction station to bring them home swiftly straight after the match. They will only stop at Haywards Heath and Brighton stations.