Glenn Murray believes Albion were pegged back by a fluke as they lost to Newcastle.

The Seagulls striker fired his side into a dream 14th-minute lead from a disputed penalty but he could only watch in disbelief as the leveller flew in off Mo Diame in the 81st minute before Ayoze Perez hit the winner.

Murray told The Argus: “We maybe dropped a tiny bit too deep as the game went on and tried to protect what we had.

“We tried to hit them on the counter attack but they did well. They got back into the game and good on them.

“The first goal is a fluke, It’s one of those you can’t do anything about. To let that one in, I don’t think we can put any fault on ourselves “The second goal, they had got the momentum of the game. It’s a good cutback and good finish.”

Albion had not previously dropped any points after scoring first this season. Murray said: “Right now we are disappointed to lose the game but we will rest, reflect on Thursday and try to put it right on Saturday.”

Murray explained the incident in which referee Rob Madley pointed to the spot for a foul by Ciaran Clark.

He said: “There was a lot of pushing and shoving. I think he pulled me down a little bit and we fell into (goalkeeper Karl) Darlow’s feet and the referee thought it was a penalty.”

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez thought Albion were fortunate to be awarded their spot-kick.

He said: “Watching the replay he was pushing our player and then after they said ‘maybe the shirt...’ but you cannot give a penalty in this kind of game in this situation.

“We had maybe two penalties this season and Brighton have had ten. We are the most offensive team in the division. We have more chances than anyone but only two penalties.”