Brighton have criticised the League Managers' Association as the dispute with Gus Poyet continues. Poyet failed to attend a disciplinary hearing at the Championship club on Monday but the LMA defended the suspended Seagulls manager.

Assistant manager Mauricio Taricco and coach Charlie Oatway were also suspended from the club following their play-off semi-final defeat to Crystal Palace but the club have stayed quiet over the reasons for taking action.

A Brighton statement read: "Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club was disappointed and concerned to see comments made by the League Managers' Association in advance of the reconvened disciplinary hearing involving Gus Poyet.

"The LMA's statement was neither fair nor accurate.

"The club will not comment further at this stage because it is important that the disciplinary hearing takes place according to the relevant timescales and procedures.

"Meantime, the LMA is fully aware that the club has reserved its right to consider further action regarding the LMA's statement once the disciplinary process is complete."