Fabian Horzler wants Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace fans to remain calm when the bitter rivals meet at the Amex Stadium on Sunday – after witnessing the “emotions” of the match in person at Selhurst Park last season.
Horzler watched the two sides draw 1-1 for the fifth consecutive edition at the Palace of the match almost a year ago, where he attended on a fact-finding mission during the winter break in the German second division season, which ended. In the 31-year-old leads St. Pauli to promotion as champions.
“Fortunately, I visited last season and watched the match at Palace Stadium live,” said Horzler, who did not know at the time that he would succeed Roberto De Zerbi at Albion during the summer.
“I've experienced the rivalry and the mood between the two clubs. Beyond the three points, it's about the meaning of the game; I know, from the past, that the meaning – especially for the fans – is huge, but also for the club.
“Everyone in the building knows what it means. It's something special, because you feel the atmosphere before and during the match. You feel that this is a great competition.”
Good atmosphere before the end of the week 🤙😄#CPFC pic.twitter.com/32KBnuPdOx
– Crystal Palace FC (@CPFC) December 12, 2024
Brighton vs Palace competition
Tensions sometimes led to problems between fans when clubs clashed, dating back to a dispute between then Brighton manager Alan Mullery and his Palace counterpart Terry Venables during the 1970s.
BBC News It reported that seven people were arrested when the two teams met in February, with an increased police presence in Brighton city centre.
“What I always say is that everything should happen with respect — we don’t need any violence or anything like that,” Horzler warned, adding that high emotions are “part of the game” that he enjoys as long as they are expressed appropriately. .
“This is the main thing for me. It is a football game full of emotion more than any normal game. You can encourage and support your team but everything must continue without any violence.”
Two goals in two minutes against Crystal Palace last season! 🔥⚡️ #AlbionComing 💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/sCXotWAWwb
– Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 13, 2024
Brighton vs Palace: Fans are 'decisive'
Palace did not win the match in six attempts, losing twice but taking the lead on three of the four occasions when the match finished 1-1 during that series.
The Eagles, ranked 17th, are in better shape than the Nawras team, as they suffered one defeat in eight matches in all competitions, including two wins and two draws away from home.
Albion did not achieve a win in three matches and were accustomed to squandering their lead, as they drew 2-2 with Leicester City on Sunday, which was the second time this season that the team failed to win after taking a 2-0 lead in the 85th minute.
“They know when the team is struggling a little bit,” Horzler said of Brighton fans. “They're always our 12th man. I love the support from them and how they feel about the team.
“Their support is crucial and very helpful on the pitch, and it's very important that they know that. Now it's up to us to give them a win in the derby.
