Albion boss Chris Hughton has told his promotion chasers to block out the furore surrounding Charlton’s relegation.

Protests are planned inside and outside The Valley today against the Charlton board.

The Seagulls will be roared on by 3,100 travelling supporters and Hughton is guarding against the disruptive backdrop to the penultimate away game of the season derailing the quest for three more vital points.

He said: “We can’t afford to dwell on it. We are conscious of what has happened in previous matches but we can’t affect what they’ll do.

“The moment you start thinking about external matters you forget your objective and that is of course to win.”

Charlton’s game against Middlesbrough last month was interrupted seconds after kick-off when hundreds of beach balls were thrown on to the pitch.

They went on to beat one of Albion’s rivals for automatic promotion and Hughton has stressed there is no room for complacency for the Seagulls, who have lost only twice away all season and have just thumped nine goals past Fulham and QPR at the Amex.

Charlton have also beaten fourth-placed Hull at the Valley and gave play-offs participants Derby a run for their money last Saturday, when Middlesbrough’s scare at Bolton highlighted that top v bottom clashes can be troublesome.

Hughton said: “Bolton were already relegated and it took a stoppage time goal to win the game for Boro.

"Charlton will continue to fight, they lost against Derby by a set play and they performed well. I can’t see this game being any easier and they’re in a position where they can approach the game differently.”