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Middlesbrough FC are back in the Premier League after a seven-year absence following a 1-1 draw with Brighton on the final day of the season.

Boro got the point they needed to guarantee a return to the top-flight on a historic afternoon at the Riverside.

Cristhian Stuani's early goal set Aitor Karanka's side on their way , but Brighton levelled after the break through Dale Stephens' header.

But controversy followed as the Seagulls midfielder was shown a straight red card three minutes later for a studs-up challenge on Gaston Ramirez - to the fury of manager Chris Hughton.

The final whistle sparked scenes of jubilation on Teesside. Here's what the pundits said on Sky Sports and Channel 5.

Peter Beagrie

"We know the situation just over the road in Redcar and this football club means everything to the town. You can see that by the level of support today and the emotion that's involved.

"Middlesbrough had a great start to the season and showed a great reaction to adversity with Aitor not managing in the Charlton game. They went from strength to strength, had a little hiccup, but they're over the line.

"This isn't about the £170m for the players, it's about realising dreams. Look at Albert Adomah - from non-league to Barnet, on to Bristol City and to Middlesbrough with the dream of playing in the Premier League. That's what it's about - realising a dream.

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"It's been seven years since they were in the top level - the glory nights, the European nights. There's no better feeling as a football fan than seeing your team get into the Premier League.

"It was a tremendous ball in (by Ramirez for the goal), just look at the trajectory on it, the pace - it's hard to get set as a centre-half.

"There was a hint of offside but it's not offside - it's the second phase attack and Stuani sticks the ball in the net.

"It was all about the start for Middlesbrough and now 23 teams have come to the Riverside this season and not scored more than one goal. It's ridiculous.

"The referee was in a brilliant position (for the red card incident) and at the time I thought Stephens had nicked the ball.

"But it's the follow-through. When Mike Dean sees the damage done, does he see it as reckless or has he had a word in his ear from his assistant? We just don't know.

"When you talk about reckless, studs up challenges, that's the damage that they can cause. I don't think it was intentional."

Ian Holloway

"These are the ones you dream about and they've achieved it.

"To put it into context, for them to catch Hull - who are still a really big side - and Burnley, who were always going to be favourites, for them to get over the disappointment from the end of last year and be stronger and better this year has been phenomenal.

"I'm really pleased for them, the crowd today were something else .

"I'm buzzing. The fans have helped the team and this is what Middlesbrough is all about - they have to harness this and keep it going next season. They had 30,000 flags today and all of that makes a difference. They've been out of the Premier League for seven years but now they're back."

Alan Curbishley

"You can't begrudge Steve Gibson and Middlesbrough getting promotion, especially after what happened to them last season.

"In the last few games they blew it and went to the play-offs and lost the final. They've come back stronger this year , had a wobble near the end, but possibly the two best teams have gone up this year.

"I think everyone was talking about Boro's great defence and if they could get their noses in front. We have a bit of controversy as the ball when it goes in, the player is offside. But then he becomes active afterwards - for me, he's gaining an advantage.

"But Boro played ever so well in that first 30 minutes. They could have been three or four goals up.

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"Defensively, they were always nice and firm and they needed that extra little bit (to get over the line). They brought in Jordan Rhodes and he got some vital goals.

"They put a squad together that was capable for promotion, and a lot of that squad will stay there for next season. I think they've got a big decision to make over how loyal they stay to that squad.

"I think Mike Dean got (the red card decision) wrong. I think it's a yellow card, it's a bad cut, but I think the referee changed his mind. I don't think that's correct - it was a yellow card offence and it did affect what was a massive game.

Clinton Morrison

"They've been there or thereabouts all season, they're a good team and when a team like that spends £9m on Jordan Rhodes who didn't even play today, they deserve it.

"I think Chris Hughton has done a fantastic job at Brighton and to push (Burnley and Boro) all the way, considering they didn't have as big a budget as the other two, he's done fantastic.

"(Stephens) is very unlucky, I've looked at it a few times and he's gone in to make the tackle. His studs are up a bit but not a lot, Ramirez has stuck his leg up and the referee has to make a decision.

"He has a yellow card in his hand, but when Ramirez pulls his sock down, he sees the damage.

"Mike Dean is one of the top officials around but when he's decided yellow, someone pulling their sock down shouldn't change his mind."