Glenn Murray was sent-off as Albion drew 0-0 with La Liga newcomers Girona here in balmy Palermos tonight.

The striker, one of several substitutes introduced by Chris Hughton in the second half, received his first booking in the 80th minute for protesting too much after a knock to the back of the head.

The second, just five minutes later from referee Victor Garcia Verdura, was for a high foot on sub Pere Pons.

Murray's dismissal overshadowed an otherwise satisfactory workout for the Seagulls.

Most of a limited number of chances fell to Tomer Hemed, back in Spain where he played in La Liga for Real Mallorca and Almeria and starting at centre-forward rather than Murray.

In the first half, the Israeli striker skied a cross from Liam Rosenior and had a header deflected narrowly over.

After the break, Hemed half-volleyed wide from Pascal Gross's right-wing cross.

German summer signing Gross almost added to his pre-season tally with an angled drive palmed away by Girona keeper Iraizoz in the 34th minute.

Girona posed little threat, although Alcala should have done better with a first-half header that missed the target.

Jamie Murphy had a goal disallowed for offside from Izzy Brown's pass in the final quarter of the contest as Hughton rang the changes.

Albion (4-4-1-1): Ryan; Rosenior, Dunk, Duffy, Bong; Murphy, Stephens, Kayal, Brown; Gross; Hemed.

Subs: Bruno (for Stephens 46); Maenpaa, Huenemeier, Goldson, Suttner and Murray (for Ryan, Dunk, Rosenior, Bong, Hemed (73); Skalak and March for Gross and Murphy (77); LuaLua (for Brown 81).

Girona (3-5-1-1): Iraizoz; Alcala, Olivas, Diaby; Maffeo, Granell, Amagat, A. Garcia, Alamo; Boulaya; Soni.

Subs: Bono, Bernardo, Ramalho, Stuani, Pons, Portu, Aday, Luiz, Marlos, B. Garcia, Andzouana, Villa, Romero, Suarez.

Referee: Victor Garcia Verdura.

Sent-off: Murray (80) dissent and (85) foul.

Bookings: Bong (53) foul.