Wagner blasts referee

Huddersfield’s climb away from the relegation zone was halted by Florin Andone, although David Wagner had no doubt who was culpable for an afternoon that left the home manager bemoaning the lack of “fun” in football.

Referee Michael Oliver provided the turning point just after the half-hour, judging Steve Mounie’s sliding, foot-up challenge on Yves Bissouma worthy of a straight red card.

Wagner was furious, pointing to Oliver’s failure to award his team a firsthalf penalty after Pascal Gross wrestled with Alex Pritchard, or send off Leon Balogun for a foul on Erik Durm.

“For me, the red card wasn’t one,” said the German. “If it was, then the challenge on Durm is a red card as well.

“Pritchard was a clear penalty and a red card too. Three big decisions went against us. Football is no fun. You have no chance to be successful.”

His frustration was compounded by the fact his side, struggling so badly for goals, somehow managed to score the fastest one of the Premier League season to date, after just 54 seconds.

Mounie headed on a long throw-in, Bruno panicked, skied his clearance into the air and Mathias Jorgensen rose impressively to head in from six yards.

But Brighton soon began to take control. Deep in first-half injury time, Bruno made amends with a clever short corner to Solly March whose exquisite cross was headed in by Shane Duffy for the equaliser.

Bruno and March again combined after 70 minutes, the latter swinging over a cross which Andone, starting his first game since his summer signing from Deportivo, headed in with a sweet stooping finish.

“It’s a classic No9 goal, getting across his defender,” said Brighton manager Chris Hughton.

“I’m really pleased for him because he’s had to wait but we’ve had better starts to games and our response was good, even against 11 men.”