I fully agree with the sentiments expressed by David Smart (Letters, March 20) that party politics have no place in football.

For the record, nobody at Brighton and Hove Albion gave permission for the Albion logo to be included in election material produced

on behalf of Brighton and Hove city councillor Brian Fitch and other candidates because we were not asked in advance.

If a request had been made, it would have been politely refused.

Over the past five years, the club has built a strong working relationship with the council, resulting in the successful use of Withdean Stadium as our temporary base and the identification of Falmer as the best location in the city for our permanent home.

Throughout, we have been grateful for the co-operation of council officers and the councillors of all parties who understand what the Albion mean to this community and who share our vision of the sporting, educational and economic benefits a new stadium would bring to the city.

Dare I say it, but the 11-1 major party backing for Falmer at the planning meeting, the 45,000 voters in favour in the town referendum and the 61,500 people who signed the stadium petition, all surely confirm that an issue of this importance is above party politics.

We appreciate the support of local politicians who recognise the new stadium at Falmer is about ensuring the next 100 years - for the good of the club, its supporters and the city.

-Dick Knight, chairman, Brighton and Hove Albion