Roy Hodgson has "deplored" the actions of some Crystal Palace fans which overshadowed Tuesday night's goalless draw at Brighton & Hove Albion.
A small group of Eagles fans attempted to gain access to the Amex Stadium using bangers and flares, leaving "innocent away supporters" to be refused entry after Brighton were forced to close turnstiles six minutes into the game.
Two stewards were also taken to hospital due to the match disorder but have since been released, with one sustaining three broken ribs, while the second endured bruised ribs and other bruising.
"it is pretty obvious I deplore it and I would hate to see a return to those so-called dark days of football," Hodgson told Sky Sports News. "I think football has come a long way in combating this social evil which unfortunately does attach itself to the game of football.
"Obviously fans are passionate these days and we are particularly fortunate that our fans generate a lot passion and enthusiasm for the team. But the last thing you want is for that to go over any of the excepted behaviour norms and like in so many of these cases, a larger number of fans have had their evenings and entertainment destroyed by the actions of a minority.
"I know that the club will do its best to weed out the people responsible and to punish them for their behaviour because we obviously don't want that. It does overshadow the fact that this was a first derby game for a long period of time and when people should be talking about football, they are once again talking about hooliganism."
Palace and Brighton, whose grounds are 45 miles apart, have an intense rivalry and contest what is known as the 'M23 derby'.
Giuseppe Labellarte
