On Saturday 26 October 2002, Crystal Palace thrashed Brighton and Hove Albion 5-0 at Selhurst Park.
Exactly 21 years later. Albion will play Ajax in a competitive European fixture at the state-of-the-art Amex Stadium.
Brighton have left Palace behind, although the so-called ultras will no doubt descend on West Street and Terminus Road in early February as the Eagles have a Premier League fixture at Falmer.
But Albion fans will be far more likely to be concerned about locking horns with whoever has dropped out of the Champions League and so entered the Seagulls’ Europa League domain.
Albion fans are now far more likely to consider Chelsea as their fiercest rivals as, after nearly 50 years, the Brighton-Palace rivalry peters out.
Increasingly, Albion are lauded and fawned over by influential commentators from all over the world.
Even Pep Guardiola said that the Seagulls were the best in the world at playing out from the back.
So the the phrase most likely to be heard around Croydon, Coulsdon, Kenley and West Wickham from beleaguered Palace fans over the next few days as Albion take their competitive European bow against AEK Athens on Thursday is … MAKE IT STOP!
Not too sure I agree. Apologies , you are referring to Crystal who?
And who was the first team the history will always testify to that won at your all new plastic place ?
Hurts don’t it bitch your in no infinite way better be careful look at history teams that enter the Micky mouse Europe tin cups end up in a relegation battle
Being genuine I’m a late 70’s early 80’s Brighton hater but I can honestly say good luck to you, I spent many a Boxing Day being pelted with all sorts at the goldstone but I can’t see any point for rivalry anymore the bloke that caused the trouble went on to manage palace and you had our bet manager ever in Sir Steve. I can honestly say I dislike Charlton and Millwall far more than Brighton. Your model is to be applauded can’t deny that for a second
Let’s face it, there isn’t much that’s beyond the comprehension of the average fan.