Albion manager Martin Hinshelwood has asked fans to ignore the Supporters' Club boycott of Saturday's match against Wimbledon.

He wants Seagulls followers to turn out in force again for the trip to Selhurst Park and Paul Kitson's debut.

Albion's official Supporters' Club issued a statement urging fans to stay away in protest at Wimbledon's decision to move to Milton Keynes.

Hinshelwood said: "I think our supporters should go. We know it's difficult times for Wimbledon supporters. It's difficult for their manager and players as well and it's not their fault.

"I know other clubs have helped us in the past but we have waited a long time to get back in the First Division.

"If it was the last game of the season and we needed a point to stay up would they boycott it?"

Albion had sold 1,300 tickets by yesterday. Spokeswoman Sally Townsend said: "Sales have picked up since Paul Kitson signed and they are going fast now.

"People can come in and buy them over the counter, but they have to be members of the Away Supporters Scheme."

Richard Hebberd, the club's safety adviser, said: "It's an issue for individual supporters. Obviously it's very important the team have support, but we recognise some may wish to show their backing for Wimbledon fans.

"We appreciate some fans feel very strongly about the franchising of clubs."

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