26 November 2023 , 10:11
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Lewis Dunk was shown the first red card for dissent in the Premier League for 12 years in Brighton 's win over Nottingham Forest.
The Seagulls had to seal the three points the hard way at the City Ground as they were a man down for the final 20 minutes. Dunk was shown a yellow card for dissent and then a straight red just 12 seconds later.
It means he will now face a three-match ban rather than one and the Mail report s his language towards referee Anthony Taylor was 'personally abusive'
The centre-half had already been booked, but his dismissal was not a result of a second yellow. It means he will face a three-match ban rather than one, which would've been the case had he picked up two yellows. Lee Cattermole was the last man to see red for the same offence, but that was way back in 2011.
Attitudes and behaviour towards officials has been magnified this season. The likes of Mikel Arteta and Mauricio Pochettino have both been criticised and reprimanded for going after officials.
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Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi spoke candidly recently when he confessed: "I am honest and clear - I don't like 80 percent of England's referees. It's not new. I don't like them. I don't like their behaviour on the pitch." He was later given a formal warning.
The Italian also refused to shake Steve Cooper's hand after what was a hotly contested encounter in Nottingham. The final stages saw the visitors dig in to hold on to their narrow lead with De Zerbi hailing their attitude.
“Today the spirit and soul made a difference,” he said. “We have good players and are a good team and we always have to show this character.
The Brighton centre-half is facing a three-match ban"We have a lot of injuries at this time and it is one of the toughest moments in my career so that was a big celebration, we are very happy and I am proud of the attitude and character we showed in a really tough moment."
Anthony Elanga had given Forest an early lead before three unanswered goals put Brighton in charge. Evan Ferguson scored first before Joao Pedro bagged a brace. Morgan Gibbs-White cut the deficit minutes after Dunks dismissal, but the Seagulls held on for the three points, which leaves them four points off Tottenham in fourth.