An MP was taken to hospital following a penalty box clash in a charity football match.

Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe, goalkeeper for the politicians' side, was concussed in the game at Withdean Stadium yesterday.

Before kick-off, journalists were forced to turn their shirts inside out after their rivals turned up in the same strip.

Hove MP Ivor Caplin was embroiled in controversy after saying the team of MPs had always planned to wear red.

He and journalist Phil Webster, captain of the journalists' side, had supposedly reached an agreement on team colours long before kick off yesterday.

Arguments followed when both teams trotted out in the pouring rain wearing red.

Mr Caplin even claimed to have a "killer email" proving he was right.

Eventually, the journalists, including The Argus's parliamentary correspondent, James Slack, backed down and turned their shirts inside out, producing a shocking shade of pink.

The MPs took a quick lead through Andy Burnham, MP for Leigh.

The journalists were under the cosh for most of the first half but the MPs were swiftly back in front after a wildly mis-hit cross, which left lobby keeper David Robinson utterly bemused.

During the second half the journalists equalised and continued to secure a 4-2 victory.

The match raised £1,000 each for The Argus Appeal 2001, which helps the needy across Sussex, and the Rockinghorse Appeal, which buys equipment for the Royal Alexandra for Sick Children, Brighton.