Championship side Brighton have denied that Gus Poyet only found out he had been sacked as manager while working as a TV pundit.

They say that the ex-Chelsea and Tottenham player was "well aware that his dismissal was pending" before appearing on coverage of the Confederations Cup.

The former Chelsea midfielder confirmed he will appeal the decision, which came following an internal disciplinary inquiry.

But last night it had appeared as if the Uruguayan had only become aware of the sacking while sitting in the BBC studio.