Albion boss Steve Coppell has defended red card victim Gary Hart.

Hart was sent-off by referee Joe Ross in last night's 3-2 home defeat by Wimbledon for elbowing Norwegian defender Trond Andersen.

The striker, returning to the starting line-up at the expense of Graham Barrett, now faces an automatic three-match ban for violent conduct.

The flashpoint came just before half time after David Connolly had cancelled out Paul Brooker's third minute strike for the Seagulls.

Hart and Andersen clashed off the ball midway inside the Wimbledon half.

Coppell said: "There was some kind of contact, but apparently the ref said to Harty it was for an elbow.

"I certainly did not see an elbow. I might have seen a chest-to-chest, like two bulls confronting each other, but it was certainly nothing malicious.

"It was the defining moment of the game. It certainly turned what was looking to be a really good, competitive and even contest."

Hart will miss the matches at home to Millwall on February 22, at Gillingham on March 1 and away to relegation rivals Stoke on March 5 unless Ross is persuaded to change his mind.

"I'm not sure whether he got a clear view of the whole incident," Coppell said. "He certainly didn't see the block by Andersen and consequently from there I doubt if he saw clearly the full impact of the two players colliding.

"I think we will ask the referee, but I am not sure he will be too disposed to have a second view."

Veteran keeper Dave Beasant saved Neil Shipperley's 54th minute spot-kick on his first home appearance for Albion against his old club but they were already 2-1 behind by then.

German youngster Moritz Volz, on loan from Arsenal, made Wimbledon's numerical advantage count with a debut goal on 48 minutes and the prolific Connolly added a third 11 minutes from time.

Bobby Zamora pulled a goal back with four minutes left, but Albion's ninth Withdean defeat of the season means they remain three points adrift at the foot of the table and five from safety, with their game in hand used up.