Rising star Sean Murray had put Watford ahead with superb free-kick before Troy Deeney made it two from the penalty spot before half-time and the Seagulls were booed off the park.

However, the home side produced a stirring second-half comeback to peg the Hornets back as Inigo Calderon pulled one back before Will Buckley completed a dramatic Brighton comeback with the equaliser against his former club ensuring they avoided a fourth straight defeat.

Brighton's hopes of reaching the play-offs are over after the result, but Poyet feels the fact they were even in the hunt in their first season back in the Championship means the fans should cut his men some slack.

"The booing is not acceptable, I would like to tell them not to come if they don't like it, if they don't like the way we play, stay at home," said the Seagulls boss.

"There's something wrong in this football club, maybe it's time we told them what they can expect. I don't know the last time Brighton were in the top 10 of the Championship.

"There were too many things wrong tonight, too many on the pitch and off the pitch. But it's the first time I've seen a reaction like that from the stands.

"Maybe I should say it was a minority but I didn't like it. They are being unfair on an unbelievable group of players who have brought joy to this football club."

Talent

Meanwhile, Watford manager Sean Dyche praised talented youngster Murray after the game.

The goal was his sixth in 12 matches, form which earned the 18-year-old the young player of the month award for March.

Dyche said: "He's a very talented young man who is enjoying his football which we have given him the freedom to do.

"He's got a nice manner about him, he works very hard and when you throw in his talent it's a nice mixture.

"We played to win in the first half. To go two up at Brighton, with their home record, and make them play it long at times is very pleasing."