Albion have threatened action against the League Managers Association following their defence of suspended manager Gus Poyet.


  The Seagulls say the statement released by the LMA last night was "neither fair nor accurate".


  The LMA accused Albion of not giving Poyet enough time to prepare for a disciplinary hearing he did not attend at The Amex yesterday, setting the hearing for an unsuitable date and failing to adhere to "basic employment rights".


  The hearing has been rescheduled for Thursday.


  A counter-statement from the club, issued on their website this afternoon, said: "Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club was disappointed and concerned to see comments made by the League Managers' Association in advance of the reconvened disciplinary hearing involving Gus Poyet.  The LMA's statement was neither fair nor accurate."


  The statement added: "The club will not comment further at this stage because it is important that the disciplinary hearing takes place according to the relevant timescales and procedures.


  "Meantime, the LMA is fully aware that the club has reserved its right to consider further action regarding the LMA's statement once the disciplinary process is complete."