Des Lynam said the Seagull's situation was 'ludicrous'

The ITV presenter, a Brighton and Hove Albion fan, attended a public inquiry into the Seagulls' proposals for a new ground on Thursday.

The six-week investigation, led by a government inspector, is considering plans for a 22,000-seater stadium at Village Way North, in Falmer.

Brighton and Hove Albion, which has been without a permanent home since the Goldstone Ground closed in 1997, currently play at Brighton's athletics stadium.

The 22,000-seater stadium is opposed by some residents

The sports presenter said the situation was unacceptable.

"It's ludicrous to think that a club of Brighton's history - it goes back over 100 years - can survive into the future in a converted athletics stadium where the fans cannot park," he said.

"It needs a new stadium. The various studies have looked at other potential sites, they've centred on this one.

"It's the only really viable one and if this doesn't work, it's black days for Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club."

Many local residents and the Countryside Agency are opposed to a new stadium because the planned site is in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.