Gay Crystal Palace fans have defended the club's supporters, after they were were accused of directing homophobic chants at their Brighton counterparts.

The Gay Football Supporters’ Network (GFSN) released a report last week which names a number of clubs, including Crystal Palace, whose fans have allegedly abused Brighton and Hove Albion supporters.

According to the report, Brighton fans have been subjected to homophobic abuse by at least 72 per cent of opponents this season.

Crystal Palace fans have a longstanding rivalry with their Brighton counterparts and they are accused of chanting songs at both the home and away ties this season.

At the game at Selhurst Park, Palace fans allegedly chanted "We can see you holding hands" at the away fixture sang "You’re q**** and you know you are".

It has led to calls for heavier action to be taken against those that sing homophobic chants, but Arran Scott, 38, a long standing Crystal Palace fan who is also gay, said Eagles’ fans are not homophobic.

He said: "I have read the report thoroughly. I can understand some abuse goes too far but from the Palace perspective, things like I can see you holding hands and the other chants are not offensive in my opinion.

"It is light hearted fun and I know other gay Palace fans who don’t care and I know Brighton fans who don’t care.

Mr Scott added: "We are in danger of twisting things to an agenda. I am against hardcore abuse but general banter is fine."

Another gay Palace fan, who did not want to be named, said he has never experienced any homophobic abuse at Selhurst Park.

He said: "My first thoughts were people are being oversensitive. I have joined in with the songs so they will look stupid if they arrest me.

"I am sure if the club got wind of any abuse that goes on then they would issue bans."

He said he thought Crystal Palce was being singled out because of rivalry between the club and Brighton.

A club spokesman said: "Crystal Palace FC are committed to fighting all forms of discrimination in the game, including homophobia.

"The club do not tolerate racist or homophobic chanting at Selhurst Park and will continue to work with the relevant bodies to eradicate behaviour like that from football grounds."