Poyet told about Brighton sacking by BBC

Gus Poyet found out about his sacking from Brighton via a BBC producer while covering the Confederations Cup

Brighton Hove Albion boss Gus Poyet was relieved of his duties last night in a bizarre incident.

The Uruguayan was working as pundit for the BBC last night covering Spain’s 3-0 Confederations Cup victory over Nigeria, when one of the producers broke the news to the ex-Chelsea midfielder.

Wrong

The fact that Poyet found out through the media and not via the club was ridiculous. The way the BBC broke the news to him may be questioned, but I suppose he had the right to know.

However, his club really should have informed him prior to publishing a statement on the clubs website.

Appeal

Poyet revealed he would appeal the decision he told the BBC: “I think the BBC have a great story forever, because a manager getting the information that he is being released from his employment by the BBC is quite surprising.

“I have had no communication, no texts, no e-mail. I didn’t receive anything on my phone, so it is all up to you and the timing.

“The only thing I’m concentrating on is the appeal. I will appeal because it’s the right thing to do.”

Suspended

Poyet’s situation at Brighton has been very strange in the last few weeks. The Seagulls revealed that the decision was taken following an investigation by an internal disciplinary panel.

Poyet had been suspended by the club along with assistant manager Mauricio Taricco and coach Charlie Oatway after the semi-final play-off defeat against Crystal Palace. The reason for their suspension still has not been revealed.

Taricco’s suspension has been lifted, but the Argentinian could still follow Poyet out of the door at the Amex Stadium. Poyet attended a disciplinary hearing on Thursday about his future, after missing the original proceeding on Monday.

The players return for pre-season today and they will do so without their Uruguayan boss. Poyet is unlikely to return to the club, even if he does win his appeal against his dismissal.

Unfortunate

As we do not know the reasons behind the sacking, it is hard to say whether Poyet’s sacking is right or wrong. However, on his performance as Seagulls boss he did not deserve to be sacked. Poyet has helped Brighton become real contenders for promotion from the Championship.

Brighton have become a team that plays football and have come a long way under Gus Poyet. The Uruguayan led Brighton back to the second tier of English football in his first season as boss. In the years since Poyet has helped the club gradually progress into a very strong Championship outfit.

Poyet is highly regarded in coaching circles and has been linked with numerous moves to Premier League clubs in the past, including moves to Stoke and Sunderland. However, Poyet stayed at Brighton and looked to complete the job of getting the Seagulls into the Premier League.

Debacle

The way that Brighton have handled the sacking of Poyet has been a complete debacle. The sacking may be justified, we will never know because the truth behind Poyet’s exit may never be revealed. Brighton could have handled the whole situation in a far more classy way though.

To announce Poyet’s sacking on the internet before actually telling the Uruguayan was a disgrace. It showed a real lack of professionalism.

Moving on

Gus Poyet has already revealed that he will appeal the decision, but it is only to clear himself of any wrongdoing. I highly doubt that Poyet will have any trouble finding alternative employment when the issue is resolved.

However, prospective new bosses of Brighton will look at the club with apprehension because of how the Seagulls have managed the Poyet sacking. The club need to make sure that next time they make an important decision it is handled with slightly more professionalism.

Should the BBC have told Gus Poyet about his sacking?