They went ahead through Marcus Tavernier's 32nd-minute penalty, which was awarded when Amine Adli went down under Bart Verbruggen's challenge. Adli - starting in Semenyo's place - was initially booked for simulation, but referee Paul Tierney overturned that decision following a VAR review, to the fury of Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler. Brighton, who had earlier seen Jack Hinshelwood go close on two occasions, dominated possession in the second half but looked destined for defeat.
Jean-Philippe Mateta's first-half header looked like it would earn Palace three points at Selhurst Park on New Year's Day, but Cairney's excellent leveller meant the spoils were shared. Fulham saw Raul Jimenez hit the post prior to Cairney's equaliser, and Timothy Castagne and Joachim Andersen wasted gilt-edged chances to grab the win in second-half injury time.