Mark McGhee today branded referee Trevor Parkes a showman as Albion came to terms with an unkind Crewe cut.

Parkes angered the Seagulls' manager with two decisions which led to two goals in Saturday's 3-1 Championship defeat at Crewe.

Kenny Lunt gave the home side an early lead from a free-kick just outside the area, awarded against Paul Reid for a challenge on Steve Jones.

Albion then protested the ball was out of play when Justin Cochrane crossed for sub Michael Higdon to put Crewe 3-0 up in the second half.

McGhee said of the ref: "I thought it was his show and that was unnecessary. I think we were very unfortunate to lose 3-1. At 3-0 it looked ridiculous to me, because it was a fairly even contest.

"I felt the free-kick for the first goal was very soft. For the referee to award a free-kick in that position he has to be absolutely certain. It was almost as good as a penalty.

"For the third goal it was out of play, no doubt, so we feel a little bit hard done by."

McGhee laughed off Leon Knight's reaction to being substituted by Jake Robinson in the second half.

Knight said something to McGhee's bemused assistant Bob Booker as he walked off, in the full glare of the main stand at Gresty Road.

"He just sort of shook his handbag a bit," McGhee said. "Players do that. I used to kick the water bottle when I was taken off, not when Fergie was looking mind you!

"I took him off, because I didn't think he was going to score."

Albion will be without Guy Butters (calf) again against Cardiff at Withdean tomorrow night, although the experienced centre half could be back for Saturday's home game against Leeds.

"Guy has got a chance, not for Tuesday but certainly for Saturday," McGhee said.