LEWIS DUNK’S place is under threat after another gaffe dumped Albion out of the FA Cup.

He tried to head the ball from danger – lying on the ground inside his own box.

Instead he brought down Harry Maguire to gift Hull a penalty and their route into round four.

The crazy mistake was the third time the highly-rated young centre-half has cost Albion in the last six games.

Last month a reckless red card let QPR back for a draw when the Seagulls were leading.

Then Dunk allowed the ball under his foot to present Ipswich with their winner at the Amex.

Boss Chris Hughton said of his latest error: “I can see what he was trying. I think before that he had slipped. He’s a tough boy, Dunky, and he’s a brave boy. I think right at that moment he felt they were going to get a shot in and that’s why he did what he did.

“I don’t think that would have been the case. I think we had cover. These are the moments in games that either end up being a good decision or not and it wasn’t a good decision.”

It could have been even worse for Dunk. He had already been booked but referee Geoff Eltringham let him off another yellow and ban.

Captain Gordon Greer is expected to be back from hamstring trouble at Rotherham tomorrow night. He could partner Connor Goldson if Hughton decides to drop Dunk.