BRIGHTON and Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton has joined forces with a host of football bosses to raise awareness of prostate cancer.

Hughton is working with the charity Prostate Cancer UK as part of a high profile campaign.

Figures revealed by the charity show nationally two men will die from prostate cancer during the length of a football match.

This reinforces the need to take action urgently against the disease.

As well as speaking out about the issue, Hughton is wearing the charity’s Man of Men pin badge on the touchline during the 2017/18 Premier League campaign.

He said: “Prostate cancer is an opposition like no other.

“Just seeing stats like one man dies every 45 minutes shows why we all have to take action to change this.

“This disease does not discriminate.

“One in eight men in the UK will suffer from prostate cancer during their lifetime and that stat is one in four if you are a black man.

“Albion have always embraced their community and that football family can come together to nail their colours to the mast in this fight.”

Prostate Cancer UK is the long-term charity partner of the English Football League (EFL) and a partner of the League Managers’ Association.

This gives the charity access to football clubs, managers, players and supporters.

Charity chief executive Angela Culhane said: “For many years now, Prostate Cancer UK has teamed up with the football family and seeing so many managers proudly wearing our Man of Men pin badge sends out a really passionate message about what we stand for.

“These managers deliver crucial team talks every match day and we are proud to stand side by side with them against the deadliest opponent of all, prostate cancer.

“Football has proved to be an incredibly effective way of driving home our messages in a variety of ways to fans, players and club officials.

“Many of these previously had no idea about the dangers of the disease. We thank all the managers, clubs and supporters for their continued support.”

The charity’s aim is also to raise funds and help crack the three core issues of diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

In addition it provides support and information to those affected by the disease.

To back the campaign, text BADGE to 70004 to donate £5.

Alternatively go to prostatecanceruk.org.