Boss Chris Hughton says Albion will appeal against the "very harsh" red card against Dale Stephens which swung their promotion decider at Middlesbrough away from them.

Hughton believes Premier League referee Mike Dean changed his pivotal decision from a yellow card on the advice of his linesmen.

Stephens was sent-off four minutes after equalising in the 1-1 draw at the Riverside Stadium which clinched Boro's place in the Premier League and leaves Albion fighting to join them via the play-offs.

The midfielder was dismissed for a second half tackle on Boro's Uruguayan Gaston Ramirez, on loan from Southampton, who was stretchered off.

Hughton said: "I thought we were very harshly done by with the red card. I have seen it again and there's no doubt that it changes the game.

"My first impression was Dale won the ball, hasn't even shown what would be regarded as excessive force.

"There's no doubt there has been some contact. The ref first takes out a yellow, which is how he saw it, and he was probably less than five yards away.

"I think the information he got from his officials (linesmen) who were further away than he was made him change his mind from a yellow to a red.

"My gut feeling, without being told any different, is yes, we will appeal."

Albion responded manfully to their numerical disadvantage and to falling behind to Boro taking an early lead through Ramirez' compatriot Cristhian Stuani.

They have finished the season with 89 points - usually more than enough for automatic promotion - and on a 14-match unbeaten run.

Hughton said: "It's been long, tough season so far. We absolutely deserve to be where we are and we've got another two opportunities on Friday and Monday to try and make the (play-off) final."

Lewis Dunk serves the second of a two-match ban in the first leg against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Friday (7.45pm).

If Albion's appeal against Stephens' red card is unsuccessful he would miss both legs against Sheffield and the Wembley final on May 28.