Brighton suffer huge Euro blow as Solly March appears to pull hamstring trying to stop McNeil goal for Everton

BRIGHTON suffered a huge blow to their European hopes after Solly March picked up an injury against Everton.

The winger looked to pull his hamstring as he charged back to try and stop a Toffees break in the shock 5-1 mauling at home to the Toffees.

The run was in vain as he fell to the ground holding his thigh, while Alex Iwobi continued his run.

The former Arsenal man then set up Dwight McNeil to score Everton's fourth goal of the game.

And fans could not believe the luck on social media.

One fan tweeted: "Solly March's hamstring gave way at an inopportune time."

A second commented: "Dwight McNeil goal to make it 4-0 AND Solly March did his hamstring on the same play. Rough, rough day for Brighton today."

A third wrote: "What an end of the season for Solly March. Miss a semi-final sudden death pen now pulled a hammy after being dropped twice."

A fourth said: "Sad to see Solly March pull that hamstring."

Manager Roberto De Zerbi has warned of March's fitness before the match.

CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

He told BT Sport: "Solly March is not in his best moment (fitness) and Evan Ferguson is good to play one part of the game for sure."

The injury to March would be a blow as he has been in good form this season, scoring seven goals and assisting seven more in the Premier League.

Brighton were already in a perilous position after a storming first half from the visitors.

This led to an awkward moment as summer signing Joao Pedro was unveiled to fans.

Abdoulaye Doucoure netted a brace while McNeil forced an own-goal from goalkeeper Jason Steele.

Alexis Mac Allister's flukey goal did give the Seagulls a consolation goal but the result has already been decided.

McNeil did grab his second in the 96th minute to put the game to bed at 5-1.