Soccer: Longford chairman blasts Brighton walk-off

Brighton boss Micky Adams’ decision to take his players off the field during a violent clash with Longford Town has been labelled ‘‘a joke’’ by the Longford chairman.

An incensed Adams hauled his players off for ‘‘their own safety’’, before cancelling the final game of their Irish tour against Athlone Town.

Adams’ decision followed a host of violent incidents on the pitch which led to three players being sent-off.

The match was level at 1-1 before half-time and Brighton had been reduced to nine men just before the interval when Adams called a close to the heated fray.

But Longford chairman Adrian Kenny believes it is Adams’ side who must take responsibility for the trouble.

‘‘To blame his actions on the safety of his players is a joke,’’ said Kenny.

‘‘We are very annoyed because they were to blame. They were the ones coming in with late tackles. It was the most unfriendliest of friendlies.’’

There were several punch-ups which at one stage involved most of the players.

Albion midfielder Charlie Oatway and Longford’s Alan Murphey were both shown red cards after clashing, Steve Melton also walking for the South Coast side.

The Seagulls’ tour of Ireland had already been hit with with the disappointment of a surprise 1-0 loss to Sligo Rovers in their previous outing.

‘‘I think they tried to take that defeat out on us,’’ continued Duncan. ‘‘They definitely had some pressure on themselves.’’

Longford had been hoping to use the game as a warm-up for this week’s UEFA Cup clash with FC Lovech.

Duncan said: ‘‘We’ve picked up a couple of injuries from the game and it’s probably a good thing we didn’t play the second half because there would probably have been more casualties.

‘‘But hopefully this will all blow over and their won’t be any hard feelings.’’

Adams today refused to comment on his actions.

It is unsure if the Third Division champions will face disciplinary action for ending the game.

Irish League commissioner Roy Dooney said: ‘‘At this stage we are awaiting the referee’s report and until I see that we cannot comment on speculation regarding the events.

‘‘It is outside our jurisdiction to take any action against Brighton but if we felt it necessary we would compile a report for the (English) Football Association.’’