Albion boss Chris Hughton has played down suggestions that Anthony Knockaert stormed out after he was left out of the squad against Chelsea.

Social media was rife with claims that winger Knockaert left the Amex in a huff.

The Argus understands he watched the 4-0 defeat for the Seagulls from the East Stand.

Hughton, speaking at his post-match press conference, said: "I'm not aware (of him storming out). I did see Anthony just before the game, so I know he was here.

"Anything else I'm unaware of. I would like to think that anyone not in the starting eleven wouldn't have been happy not to be in the eleven, and anyone not in the squad wouldn't be happy."

Knockaert was also omitted from the matchday 18 for the recent trip to Huddersfield.

He was not the only regular who wasn't selected. Hughton also left out skipper Bruno, Gaetan Bong, Jose Izquierdo and Glenn Murray in a change to a 3-4-1-2 system.

He said: "Against the top six we haven't won a game and we haven't scored so it was an opportunity to play two up, (Tomer) Hemed and Solly (March) - who floated a little bit but predominantly was used as a forward - and an opportunity to match them (Chelsea)."