‘It’s embarrassing’: Lewis Dunk left disgusted after referee decision overshadows Brighton defeat

The Seagulls captain struck a free-kick before a second whistle was heard as the ball hit the back of the net with the goal eventually disallowed in the 1-0 loss

Lewis Dunk remonstrates with Referee Lee Mason (Getty)

Lewis Dunk has hit out at referee Lee Mason’s “embarrassing” and “horrendous” decision to cost Brighton a goal in their 1-0 defeat to West Brom.

The referee attracted controversy when he blew his whistle for the Seagulls to take a free-kick, with Dunk striking the ball before a second whistle could be heard as the ball ended up in the back of the net.

Graham Potter’s side missed two penalties in the defeat the Hawthorns, which leaves Brighton four points above the relegation zone, having played a game more than 18th placed Fulham.

And a furious Dunk bemoaned Mason’s decision and asked why the official was not forced to speak in front of the cameras.

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“It’s embarrassing,” Dunk told Sky Sports. “It’s a horrendous decision, I said to the ref can I take it, he blew his whistle and I took it.

“Just because there was so much pressure from the bench. Why doesn’t he come and speak to the press like me? Never, they hide behind their bubble.

“I don’t think he knew what he was doing. He gave the goal, why did he give it? I don’t know why VAR was getting involved, he said ‘goal’... you can look on the video if you want.

Lewis Dunk celebrates after a quickly taken free kick before the goal is disallowed following a VAR review (Getty)

Dunk said it was a “fact” that Mason lost control of the game, while his manager admitted he was left in the dark as to why Mason blew his whistle a second time.

“As far as I know Lewis Dunk asked take the free-kick quickly and the referee said yes. In between that there was another whistle. I don’t know what that whistle was for,” Potter told Sky Sports.

“It would be nice for a bit more clarification. I don’t know what the second whistle is for. I don’t understand that.

“The confusion is on the pitch and it gets worse when someone outside this area is making the decisions. It is what it is. We’ve not helped ourselves with the two penalties so I cannot put it all down to that [disallowed goal].

“We need to improve and get better at that [taking penalties]. We’re never going to get two better chances. We have to stay calm.”