Gus Poyet has lost his appeal against his sacking by Albion for gross misconduct.


  A two-day meeting of three Board members in London has upheld the club's decision to dismiss their Uruguayan manager.


  A statement released by the club this afternoon said: "Following a suspension, investigation, disciplinary meeting, and separate appeal hearing, which was conducted by three members of the club's board in London on 11th July and 12th July 2013, Brighton & Hove Albion today confirmed that after further consideration Gus Poyet's dismissal for gross misconduct has been upheld. The panel's decision was delivered to Gus Poyet and his advisers a short time ago.


  "The club's internal disciplinary process is now complete. In line with the club's policy to ensure and maintain confidentiality and dignity throughout this process, no further details of the disciplinary or appeal hearings will be released at this time.


  "Despite the extremely disappointing end to Mr Poyet's career with Brighton & Hove Albion, the club would like to acknowledge Mr Poyet's service to the club, which included leading the club to the League One championship in 2011 and to its highest league finish for more than 30 years in 2013."


  Poyet is now expected to pursue the matter through the courts.

  The League Managers Association, who have been representing Poyet, say they are "very surprised" by Albion's decision.


  Chief executive Richard Bevan said in a swift response to the verdict: "I am really very surprised that the Club has made the decision to dispense with the services of such an outstanding football manager as Gus Poyet.


  "Gus has an excellent record of success with the Club. We have every faith in Gus’s integrity and have been impressed with the manner in which he has conducted himself during what, for him, has been an extremely difficult period.


  "We have supported Gus throughout the disciplinary process and will continue to do so as required. We do not consider that the charges against him amounted to gross misconduct.


  "Gus will now reflect on the outcome and discuss options with the legal team. It would, therefore, not be appropriate to make any further comment at this time."


  Poyet was the sixth longest serving manager in English football at the time of his departure.


  Albion won 86 of their 194 matches under his command, a ratio of 44.3 per cent.