Adam Virgo has revealed the behind-the-scenes story of Albion’s infamous pink goalkeeping jersey at Elland Road.

The Seagulls have produced some battling performances to take points from Leeds’ hostile home over the last 15 years or so.

Not least when Guy Butters headed a later leveller to secure a 1-1 draw in January 2005, the season Albion stayed in the Championship by the skin of their teeth while based at Withdean.

The match is remembered for an impressive full debut from American goalkeeper David Yelldell, signed on loan from Blackburn to replace injured Michel Kuipers.

Yelldell’s best saves came in a pink shirt he was ordered to change into at the interval because his yellow top was too similar to that being worn by referee Mike Thorpe.

A Brighton player in pink was manna from heaven for some vocal Leeds fans as they watched him run towards them to defend the Kop end.

Now Virgo, who played that day, has revealed the shirt change helped ease what were rather tense scenes in the changing room as Albion’s renowned character of that era came to the fore.

The Seagulls had gone behind just before half-time when Clarke Carlisle fired home after Virgo had blocked his initial effort at a corner.

Virgo recalled: “It was towards the end of half-time when the ref came in and told David he had to change and Ken (Barnard, kitman) dug out the pink shirt for him.

“We were falling about. People like Butts and Charlie (Oatway) all had their say.

“I’m sure Bob Booker would have said something too.

“We were really ribbing him for it but I don’t think David got the English humour.

“It wasn’t the usual half-time but it broke the ice.

“When we went back out, we stayed just behind him.

“We got to the end of the tunnel and then just stopped and let him run out on his own in that shirt.

“He thought we were there with him but he was running to the home end on his own getting all sorts of stick.

“It was funny – but it was quite a common practical joke among football teams. We once did the same to Charlie at QPR.”

Yelldell, now playing in the German third tier, had a blinder as Leeds piled up ten shots on target but scored just once.

His best save came shortly before the equaliser when he tipped over a lob by Gary Kelly.

He took a whack for his troubles when he bravely dived at the feet of battering ram Brian Deane.

Butters struck with a far post header in the 81st minute after Oatway, who was later sent off, played a corner short and Nathan Jones crossed.

That was a sweet moment for Butters. He explained: “Kevin Blackwell was the Leeds manager at the time.

“We passed each other in the tunnel before the game and shook hands but, as he walked off, I heard him ask ‘Who’s that?’ and laugh.

“When I saw him after the game, I said to him ‘You flippin’ know who I am now, don’t you?’ and laughed.”

That was not the end of the pink jersey. The squad adapted it as a forfeit for players who trained poorly.

The shamed recipient had to wear it during the Friday training session.

Leeds: Sullivan; Kelly, Carlisle, Butler, Richardson; Elnarsson, Gregan, Walton (Bakke 88), Lennon (Spring 78); Deane, Healy.

Albion: Yelldell; Reid, Butters, Hinshelwood, Virgo, Mayo; Oatway, Carpenter, Harding (Jones 63); McCammon (Hart 51), Kazim-Richards (Nicolas 89).