Hughton frustrated with Hemed’s three-match Brighton ban

Matt Stead

Brighton boss Chris Hughton has revealed his frustration at the three-match ban given to striker Tomer Hemed.

Israel international Hemed was this week found guilty of violent conduct during last Sunday’s game against Newcastle.

The 30-year-old, who scored the winner in his side’s 1-0 victory, appeared to stamp on Magpies defender DeAndre Yedlin in the 88th minute.

The incident was not seen by the match officials but was caught on video and although Hemed denied the Football Association charge, an independent commission found him guilty.

Hughton, who will be without Hemed for this Sunday’s trip to Arsenal, as well as games against Everton and West Ham, said: “We are disappointed.

“We know the player, we still feel that there was no intent and that’s why we appealed, so we are very disappointed.

“But we just have to deal with it.”

Hemed’s absence leaves Hughton even lighter in attack with fellow strikers Sam Baldock and Glenn Murray carrying injuries.

However, Murray did resume training on Friday morning following a spell out with an ankle problem and has an outside chance of being involved at the Emirates.

“It’s been tough enough anyway with Sam and Glenn not being around, but Glenn trained this morning and we will have to make a decision,” added Hughton.

“That decision will be on his involvement, he’s been out for a while, and we don’t want to take any risks as we are without Tomer for another two games afterwards.”

Midfielder Steven Sidwell is out following a back operation and Beram Kayal is still recovering from a broken leg.