Brighton and Crystal Palace fans have been involved in violent clashes ahead of the Tuesday night Premier League fixture, according to local news reports.
Fans reportedly clashed at Brighton station ahead of the game known as the 'M23 Derby', with police having to step in.
Similarly ugly scenes occurred before last season's game at the AMEX Stadium, where 150 Palace fans were refused entry to the ground despite having tickets.
Local Brighton newspaper The Argus report both sets of fans fought with officers at around 6.15pm as they boarded trains to the stadium.
The Argus also reported that a small section of away supporters were singing homophobic chants directed at home fans.
Some Palace fans are said to have escaped from a police escort and attacked Albion supporters outside a pub before being restrained.
Palace manager Roy Hodgson had pleaded with those attending the midweek league game to behave, in his pre-match press conference.
He said: 'I'm expecting our fans to behave well and I'm expecting the Brighton fans to behave well. Unfortunately there is always going to be instances where some people don't.'
