JIMMY McNULTY has apologised to colleagues for conceding a crucial penalty at Swindon.

But the Albion left-back still believes he was hard done by with the spot kick verdict which allowed Billy Paynter to break the ice at a shivering County Ground.

McNulty was pulled up for impeding Paynter as they challenged for a deep cross.

The Seagulls defender said: “My original reaction on the pitch was ‘no chance, not a penalty’.

“I was fuming at the time at the referee but when I came in at half-time some of the lads thought it was (a foul).

“The gaffer thought it was, a few of the lads didn’t think it was.

“My feeling then was maybe I had given it away so I apologised, put my hands up.

“But then after watching it again on the monitor after the game, I’m convinced it wasn’t a pen.

“Yes, you can get in trouble for having your arms on an opponent.’ “But, in terms of a pushing motion, there wasn’t one there.”