A historical overview of Brighton’s biggest rivals

Brighton & Hove Albion’s rivalries are passionate and storied, each having a unique story about competition and community.

From the long-standing animosity for Crystal Palace to local pride versus Lewes FC, these rivalries contribute significantly to the culture and fan experience of the club.

As they contest more and more at the top, new ones might be forged, and old ones would remain at the heart of Seagulls’ existence.

Whether through savage derbies or regional clashes, these will always be high-stakes matches on Brighton’s football agenda.

The M23 Crystal Palace Derby

The M23 Derby, the Brighton & Hove Albion vs Crystal Palace derby, is one of the most venomous in English football. The animosity began in the 1970s when the two teams competed in the lower divisions.

The first genuine confrontation was on August 17, 1974, on the season’s opening day. Brighton took the game 1-0, and it fuelled tensions that would culminate in the future.

To this day, some of the best sportsbooks, as well as fans, are aware that this game is going to be an experience that you don’t want to miss.

The rivalry intensified in a series of bitter matches, such as an infamous FA Cup match in 1976 when Brighton had a goal disallowed and missed a penalty.

The match saw Brighton boss Alan Mullery give the ‘V’ sign to Palace fans, a moment now legendary among Seagulls supporters.

The matches are characterised by passionate crowds and dramatic incidents, such as the 5-0 drubbing Palace handed Brighton in 2002.

Both of these clubs have, in time, risen through the ranks, with their gatherings drawing huge attendances. The intense competition and history have so entrenched this rivalry as part of the identity of both clubs.

The South Coast Rivalry with Portsmouth

The other big Brighton derby is the one against Portsmouth, the South Coast Derby. This is one based on nearness in geographical terms and sporting rivalry.

This derby match always sees the teams at their passionate best and generally has the better teams playing at their best, too.

The two clubs acquired ferocity towards the end of the 20th century when both were battling for promotion into higher divisions.

Their most remembered encounter was in 2011 when Brighton defeated Portsmouth 3-0 in their then-home, the Amex Stadium.

This was a sweet victory for the Brighton fans after Portsmouth had just experienced recent downfalls and Brighton’s revival.

The matches are usually defined by electric environments and passionate displays by fans from both teams. Although less tradition-based compared to the Crystal Palace rivalry, the South Coast Derby remains a significant game in Brighton’s calendar.

Lewes – Brighton is The Local Derby To Watch

Brighton also enjoys a local derby with Lewes FC that is less about community compared to Crystal Palace or Portsmouth.

This is a derby founded on regional pride and a sense of community, with matches inclined towards the close-knit nature of both sets of fans.

The Brighton-Lewes rivalry has been going on as long as they have existed, with them facing each other in many leagues.

While Lewes is not in the same league position as Brighton, the matches are fiercely contested, given their local significance.

Supporters of both clubs see these matches as an opportunity to lay claim to local supremacy, and therefore, every match is eagerly anticipated for each season.

The atmosphere at these matches tends to be lively, with chants and taunts that emphasise the community connection between both clubs.

Southampton is Always A Historic Encounter

Though not one of the fiercest of those between Brighton and other clubs, Southampton does have some history going back to the very first league encounters.

Both sides are neighbouring clubs in the South Coast area, and that familiarity has generated a strong sense of enmity that has seen some thrilling matches played.

One of the most noted fixtures was in 1983 when Southampton visited Brighton for an FA Cup quarter final. Though they lost that match, it was the height of Brighton’s profile in a national arena.

The local rivalry was intense throughout much of the league encounters, especially where both sides were battling promotion or relegation in seasons.

Brighton fans are more likely to consider Southampton a rival due to their shared history and geographical location. Matches between the two sides are highly competitive and tend to draw big crowds.

The Development of New Rivalries

As Brighton has become more established in the Premier League, new rivalries have begun to emerge. Sides like Brentford and Fulham have emerged as competitive foes for Brighton fans as they navigate top-flight football on equal terms.

The Brentford matches have been gaining attention due to their closely fought performances, as both teams were promoted to the Premier League around the same period.

Similarly, Fulham has turned into a rival through a series of competitive matches that have shown both teams’ ambitions in English football.

New rivalries are reflective of Brighton’s growth and adaptation in a new footballing context, but it holds onto its original rivalries that constitute its identity.