THE Football Association have charged Brighton with misconduct, following their 3-0 defeat at St Mary's last weekend.

Referee Peter Walton sent off Albion defender and assistant manager Mauricio Taricco for dissent during the match.

The dismissal followed the official's controversial call to award Saints a second half penalty for a Lewis Dunk foul on Jose Fonte, which replays showed occurred just outside the area.

The incident was the big flashpoint in a fiery encounter that has led to repercussions for the Seagulls.

A statement from the FA today said: "Brighton and Hove Albion have been charged by The FA for failure to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.

"The charge is in relation to Brighton’s League match at Southampton on 19 November 2011. The club has until 4pm on 28 November 2011 to respond."