Albion boss Chris Hughton has defended Glenn Murray after he was sent-off in Spain tonight.

Hughton "didn't see anything wrong" with the challenge which resulted in Murray's dismissal five minutes from the end of the 0-0 friendly draw against La liga newcomers Girona in Palamos.

Murray came off the bench in the 73rd minute as one of several changes.

He was booked by referee Victor Garcia Verdura for his protests seven minutes later after suffering a whack to the back of the head.

Murray then received his marching orders in the 85th minute for a high challenge on Girona sub Pere Pons.

Hughton told The Argus: "The first one was for a bit of frustration. He booked him for dissent.

"He'd had a couple of whacks. I thought he genuinely went for the ball for the second one.

"He went for it in quite a firm way. I didn't see anything wrong with the challenge.

"The referee probably saw a bit of frustration with it and decided to give him two yellows.

 

"He let a couple of fouls go on Glenn and I thought he could have been a little bit more lenient in the spirit of the game."

Murray's exit will not affect his availability for Albion's first game in the Premier League against Manchester City at the Amex on August 12.

Hughton said: "I've been told by the referee we will be fine, because it's two yellows."

Albion face Spanish heavyweights Atletico Madrid in their final warm-up game at the Amex on Sunday.