Joachim Andersen clashes with angry Crystal Palace fans after humiliating Brighton defeat

Crystal Palace's humiliating defeat to rivals Brighton ended with visiting fans confronting their own players at the end of the match.

Brighton thrashed Palace 4-1 at the Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with goals from Lewis Dunk, Jack Hinshelwood, Facundo Buonanotte and Joao Pedro sealing an emphatic win for Roberto De Zerbi's side.

The defeat leaves Palace 14^th in the Premier League and they are now just five points above the relegation places, having picked up just six wins in the league all season.

There were concerning scenes after the full-time whistle as travelling fans voiced their anger at their side.

Footage on social media showed Palace defender Joachim Andersen confronting a group of furious supporters before being pulled away by assistant manager Paddy McCarthy. Check out the video below.

Journalist Edmund Brack confirmed Andersen was not the only Palace player involved.

"Joachim Andersen and Dean Henderson having words with the fans at full-time. Paddy McCarthy went in to get the two Palace players away from it," Brack posted on X.

The Athletic's Matt Woosnam added: "Seems like Joachim Andersen did have a confrontation with the Palace fans at the end who were definitely tapping their chests as if to ask where the passion was.

"Can't say how angry it was but it didn't look great and Paddy McCarthy helped in him coming away."

It is not the first time Andersen has confronted Palace supporters this season.

The Denmark international was accused of telling away fans to "f*** off" at the end of their 5-0 defeat to Arsenal last month.

Fractious end to the game as palace fans confront Andersen and Paddy McCarthy … #cpfc pic.twitter.com/12FFKox8Lu

— Richard Fletcher (@fletcherr) February 3, 2024

During the closing stages of the match, away fans at the Emirates unfurled a banner criticising the running of the club.

It read: "Wasted potential. On and off the pitch, weak decisions. Taking us backwards."

Reacting to the banner, Palace manager Roy Hodgson said he understood fans' frustrations.

"All I would say is they are totally entitled to their opinion in that respect. I do understand their frustration, even anger and disappointment that things haven't got better," said Hodgson.

"We can make our excuses which we have been doing as certain things have worked against us in this period.

"The bottom line is if we are going to go forward and avoid relegation and do well, we need these fans with us. Hopefully we can keep them on board and the best way to do that is by winning football matches and playing better than today."