Crystal Palace vs Brighton rivalry explained: History between Eagles and Seagulls in 'M23 derby' and distance between both clubs

The animosity between Crystal Palace and Brighton and Hove Albion is as mystifying to many fans of other clubs as it is intense for the supporters involved in what has become known as the 'M23 derby'.

Palace and Brighton have faced each other more than 100 times since both clubs were formed at the start of the 20th century, but tensions have escalated relatively recently to produce one of the fiercest rivalries in English football.

The Eagles and Seagulls also have one of the closest head-to-head record of any teams involved in a derby with one another, and matches between them have produced a number of epic games over the decades.

Here's a look at why the rivalry exists, where it gets its name from and some of those memorable matches between the clubs.

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While most teams involved in derbies lie in close proximity to each other, Crystal Palace and Brighton's separation of 43 miles means they are not even in the same county.

It would not be hyperbolic, however, to describe their relationship as a footballing hatred – and although the sides had regularly played each other in previous years, the venom started during the 1970s.

On the opening day of the 1974/75 season, significant outbreaks of trouble were noted among a crowd of more than 26,000 as a Brighton team managed by Peter Taylor - assistant to Brian Clough the previous season - won 1-0 against a visiting Palace side who had suffered successive relegations.

More than 33,000 people watched Brighton beat Palace 2-0 in February 1976, when home supporters subverted the visitors' 'Eagles' nickname with chants of 'Seagulls' – an emblem the club fully adopted two seasons later.

LWT The Big Match
October 1976
Two Clubs That Don’t Get