Albion boss Russell Slade has branded the 7-1 mauling at Huddersfield as the worst night of his career.

The Seagulls were ripped to shreds after goalkeeper Michel Kuipers saw red late in the first half.

A distressed Slade, emerging from a dressing room lock-in, said: “It’s an absolutely horrendous night for me as a manager, for the team, for the club. I certainly did not see it coming.

“I can only apologise. It is by far the worst night I have ever had in football for sure.”

Kuipers was sent off for bringing down Lee Novak and the Huddersfield striker converted the resulting penalty to put his team 3-1 up.

Slade said: “Losing your goalkeeper and going 3-1 down meant a tough night was going to get tougher and in the second half they showed what a class side they are.

“But to defend the way we did at times was unacceptable and to lose the way we did means there has got to be a soft underbelly somewhere.

“You cannot capitulate like we did, even though we were up against a very good team.”

Kuipers apologised at half-time to referee Neil Swarbrick for his furious reaction to his dismissal, which could result in further disciplinary action.

To make matters worse for the Seagulls, a twisted ankle sidelined Jim McNulty from a possible comeback and unsettled striker Glenn Murray faces further hernia surgery next week.

It was Albion's worst defeat since the 8-2 reverse to Bristol Rovers under Brian Clough in December 1973.