Albion have hit back at manager Gus Poyet's claim he was sacked while on TV.


  They say Poyet was "well aware" his dismissal was pending before his appearance on the BBC last night as a studio pundit for their Confederations Cup coverage.


  Poyet claimed he knew nothing about the club statement revealing he had been axed until informed by BBC staff during the first half of the match between Spain and Nigeria.


  A statement issued by the club today said: "In relation to comments made by Gus Poyet on BBC Match of the Day last night, the club would like to point out that its disciplinary panel considered the matter on the afternoon of Friday 21st June and for most of Saturday 22nd June.


  "The club spent much of Sunday 23rd June in discussion with Gus and his representatives. For legal reasons we cannot say anything about the content of those discussions but Gus was well aware, before he appeared on the BBC last evening, that his dismissal was pending.


  "Given Gus has a right to appeal the decision to dismiss him, the club will not be making any further comment on this matter at this time."