Hurzeler calls on the fans to keep calm despite the ‘great rivalry’ in the ‘special’ match

Fabian Hurzeler wants Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace fans to keep calm when the bitter foes meet at the Amex Stadium on Sunday – after witnessing first-hand the “emotion” of the game at Selhurst Park last season.

Hurzeler watched the teams draw 1-1 away from home for the fifth consecutive edition of the game at Palace almost exactly a year ago, taking part in a fact-finding mission during the winter break in Germany’s second division season, which ended in the 31-year-old leading St Pauli to promotion as a champion.

“Fortunately I visited last season and saw a game at Palace live,” said Hurzeler, who at the time did not know he would succeed Roberto De Zerbi at Albion in the summer.

“I experienced the rivalry and the mood between the two clubs. On top of the three points, it’s about the meaning of the match; I know, from the past, that the meaning – especially for the fans – is great, and also for the club.

“Everyone in the building knows the meaning. It is something special, because you can feel the atmosphere before and during the match. You feel it’s a great rivalry.”

Good vibes ahead of the weekend 🤙😄#CPFC pic.twitter.com/32KBnuPdOx

— Crystal Palace FC (@CPFC) December 12, 2024

The rivalry between Brighton and Palace

Tensions have sometimes resulted in crowd trouble when the clubs clash, dating back to a row between then-Brighton manager Alan Mullery and fellow Palace player Terry Venables in the 1970s.

BBC News reported that seven arrests were made when the teams met in February, with an increased police presence in central Brighton.

“What I always say is that everything should happen with respect – we don’t need any violence or anything like that,” Hurzeler warned, adding that high emotions are “part of the game” he enjoys as long as they are expressed appropriately.

“That’s the most important thing for me. It is a football match with more emotions than a normal game. You can cheer and support your team, but everything should be done without violence.”

Two in two minutes against Crystal Palace last season! 🔥⚡️ #AlbionAdvent 💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/sCXotWAWwb

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 13, 2024

Brighton vs Palace: The fans ‘key’

Palace have not won a game in six attempts, losing twice, but have led on three of the four occasions when the game has finished 1-1 during that run.

17. The Eagles are in better form than the Seagulls, suffering one defeat in eight games in all competitions, including two wins and two draws away from home.

Albion are without a win in three games and have developed a habit of avoiding the lead, with their 2-2 draw at Leicester City on Sunday marking the second time they have failed to win after leading 2-0 in the 85th minute.

“They know when the team is suffering a little bit,” Hurzeler said of the Brighton fans. “They are always our 12th man. I love their support and their team spirit.

“Their support is crucial and very helpful in the field, and it’s very important that they know that. Now it’s up to us to let them win the derby.”