Brighton Boss Refuses to Surrender After Palace Humiliation
Fabian Hurzeler stood defiant in the face of brutal fan hostility after Brighton's crushing defeat to Crystal Palace, declaring he will never surrender despite mounting pressure for his dismissal.
The embattled German coach faced a barrage of abuse from 25,000 home supporters who chanted "you don't know what you're doing" and "you're getting sacked in the morning" as Brighton slumped to another devastating loss at the Amex Stadium.
Ismaila Sarr emerged as the Eagles' derby destroyer once again, striking the decisive 61st-minute winner to compound Brighton's misery. The victory lifted Palace above their rivals into 13th place, marking their first triumph in 13 matches since December.
"There are only two options: to give up or to keep working harder, and that's always the option I choose," declared the 32-year-old former St Pauli boss. "I never give up. That's what I will keep pushing to do."
Brighton's collapse has been spectacular. The Seagulls have managed just one victory in their last 12 Premier League fixtures, transforming from European hopefuls into relegation battlers. What should have been a routine victory to lift them into the top half became another nightmare.
The turning point came in the 71st minute when Hurzeler made a desperate triple substitution, replacing Maxim De Cuyper, Carlos Baleba and Harry Howell. The crowd's jeers grew thunderous as Brighton's attacking impotence continued, reaching fever pitch at the final whistle.
"I always promise I give my heart, I give my soul for this club, and I will keep doing this," Hurzeler insisted, absorbing the brutal criticism. "It's fine if they find the person in me to blame because in the end I'm responsible, as long as they support the team."
Meanwhile, Palace manager Oliver Glasner celebrated wildly with the jubilant away supporters, savoring their first league victory in 10 attempts. The Austrian praised his loyal fans who never turned against the team despite months of disappointment.
"This is what you can't buy, these emotions, this feeling after a win," Glasner beamed. "Our fans will stop once or twice to buy another Guinness on the M23. That's why football is so great."
For Brighton, the crisis deepens with each passing week. Hurzeler's stubborn refusal to quit may be admirable, but patience is running dangerously thin among supporters who demand immediate action from the club's hierarchy.