Brian McDermott felt his Leeds side were looking good to beat Albion – until El Hadji Diouf’s moment of madness.

The Senegalese striker was shown a straight red card for gesturing at Seagulls after bringing his side level.

Leeds boss McDermott said: “They scored out of nothing – it was a mistake and they scored - and then I thought we did really well with ten men.

“Brighton are supposed to be the best passing side in the division.

“I thought we held our own with the ball, we were right in it and when we got back to 1-1 I thought there was only one winner.

“Then Dioufy, for whatever reason, and this is something he has done in his career.

“He needs to look at himself. I’ve had a conversation. He gets himself sent-off.

"He said the Brighton fans had a go at him at Brighton and here but that is irrelevant.

“You have to get on. The only way you can ever do anything is score a goal and then get another goal. That’s how you answer (opposition) supporters.”

McDermott felt Diouf, who won and converted a penalty, was Leeds’ potential matchwinner.

He added: “That’s what breaks my heart. He was outstanding.”

McDermott said he would appeal against the early red card for Rodolph Austin which left Albion playing against ten men.