[h=3]Breaking news LMA rush to the defence of Poyet[/h]6:48pm Monday 17th June 2013 in Albion By Andy Naylor
The League Managers Association has leapt to the defence of suspended Albion manager Gus Poyet after he avoided the club's disciplinary hearing at The Amex this morning.
* In a strongly worded statement, released on their website, the LMA said: "Brighton & Hove Albion FC ordered Gus Poyet to attend a crucial disciplinary hearing today, despite the fact that he only returned from annual leave yesterday and the charges were not particularised until 13th June.
* "Further, the very lengthy appendices to the initial report comprise around 500 pages and these were also only delivered recently. Clearly Gus needs to have a fair and reasonable opportunity to respond to what we believe are unfounded charges against him.
* "Also, it has repeatedly been made clear to the club that Gus’s LMA representative, Richard Bevan was not available to accompany him today, but was available to attend on Thursday 20th or Friday 21st June as well.
* "These two dates fall within the five working day period for an employee to offer alternatives to the original date set by the club as set-out in the club’s own handbook.
* "We believe that our members are entitled to the same legal protections that other employees enjoy. Football clubs need to observe basic employment rights like any other employer in our view. Just to be clear, however, we are confident that Gus will demonstrate there is no case to answer in this matter.
* "Notwithstanding these important points, the club decided to go-ahead with the hearing in the absence of both Gus and Richard Bevan.
* "Late this afternoon the club agreed to adjourn and reconvene the disciplinary hearing to Thursday 20th June 2013. The LMA is pleased that the club has agreed to an arrangement whereby Gus and his chosen representative will be able to attend."
Original article
The League Managers Association has leapt to the defence of suspended Albion manager Gus Poyet after he avoided the club's disciplinary hearing at The Amex this morning.
* In a strongly worded statement, released on their website, the LMA said: "Brighton & Hove Albion FC ordered Gus Poyet to attend a crucial disciplinary hearing today, despite the fact that he only returned from annual leave yesterday and the charges were not particularised until 13th June.
* "Further, the very lengthy appendices to the initial report comprise around 500 pages and these were also only delivered recently. Clearly Gus needs to have a fair and reasonable opportunity to respond to what we believe are unfounded charges against him.
* "Also, it has repeatedly been made clear to the club that Gus’s LMA representative, Richard Bevan was not available to accompany him today, but was available to attend on Thursday 20th or Friday 21st June as well.
* "These two dates fall within the five working day period for an employee to offer alternatives to the original date set by the club as set-out in the club’s own handbook.
* "We believe that our members are entitled to the same legal protections that other employees enjoy. Football clubs need to observe basic employment rights like any other employer in our view. Just to be clear, however, we are confident that Gus will demonstrate there is no case to answer in this matter.
* "Notwithstanding these important points, the club decided to go-ahead with the hearing in the absence of both Gus and Richard Bevan.
* "Late this afternoon the club agreed to adjourn and reconvene the disciplinary hearing to Thursday 20th June 2013. The LMA is pleased that the club has agreed to an arrangement whereby Gus and his chosen representative will be able to attend."
Original article
