Albion fans have thrown their support behind two BBC radio presenters facing the sack for insulting disabled people live on air.

Ian Hart and Andrew Hawes were suspended from BBC Southern Counties after using the phrase "window licker" - a derogatory term for a disabled person.

Despite an instant apology on air from Mr Hart, the outburst sparked outrage among disabled charities.

But yesterday football fans, charity workers and Albion staff members threw their support behind the pair.

Teresa Sanders, disabled project manger for Albion in the Community, said: "Both Ian and Andrew's comments were naive, but the key thing is that neither realised the severity of their words, or the offence that they would cause.

"Ian has always been a keen supporter of the club's disabled project, and my opinion of him has not changed.

"His only mistake is naivety, and we should accept his apology as an end to the matter."

Steve Pollard, a committee member of Sussex Seals, which runs activities for the disabled, said Mr Hart had arranged four visits to Withdean for members to meet the players.

He added: "Our members adore Ian, and I don't say that lightly.

"I don't think they would be affected by that phrase.

"I think political correctness has gone extremely mad."

Tina Shlovogt, chairwoman of Brighton's Official Disabled Supporters Group, said, "While we all felt it was a silly comment and don't condone it, we know it was made unwittingly.

"We often sit next to disabled guests Ian brings to games, and we know the work that he does in this area.

"He has made a silly mistake, but we know he wouldn't have deliberately set out to offend people."

Disabled Albion fan Andy MacLean, 52, from Southwick, said: "Actions speak louder than words and Ian does a lot for disabled charities.

"You cannot wrap people up in cotton wool.

"It would be a travesty if they are sacked because of this."

It is not the first time Mr Hart has courted controversy on air.

During a phone-in last month he said: "Would you be happy if someone with a tea-towel on their head came in and bought the Albion?"

Disciplinary hearings are scheduled to take place next week.

A BBC spokeswoman said no phone-in was due to take place after Saturday's match at Leeds due to the England match.

She said the match commentator will be Gavin Dennison.

Should Ian Hart and Andrew Hawes be allowed to continue in their jobs?