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 thechairman of the midlands side.
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 theheated 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 (sic) 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 English side.
The Seagulls' tour of Ireland had already been hit with the disappointment of a surprise 1-0 loss to Sligo Rovers in their previous outing.
PA