Sussex police probe ‘Palace Six’ — including 15-year-old

THE Crystal Palace supporters who left two stewards hospitalised when their side played Brighton on Tuesday face stadium bans and criminal action. Six people were arrested — one a 15-year-old boy — as Brighton were forced to close the Amex Stadium turnstiles shortly after kick-off when a number of fans tried to enter without tickets. One steward suffered three broken ribs. Problems were predicted with the two sides, who have a fierce rivalry and contest the ‘M23 Derby’, meeting for the first time in the top flight for 36 years. Palace condemned the troublemakers, who injured several more stewards, and revealed that they had ‘clear images’ of the perpetrators attempting to gain access to the stadium while setting off bangers and flares. Some supporters with tickets who arrived late for the goalless draw were not granted access. They have been offered full refunds. Brighton believe that, were it not for the swift action of stewards and Sussex Police, the issue could have escalated into major disorder. The FA will seek observations from Brighton but Sportsmail understands they regard it as a matter for Sussex Police, who they intend to support fully. Two arrests, including that of the 15-year-old, were made on suspicion of throwing or discharging a missile and two for suspicion of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour. One arrest was made on suspicion of a football spectator failing to comply with a banning order and another on suspicion of homophobic abuse. Crystal Palace said: ‘There are very clear images of the incident and we will work with the police to identify those involved.’