BRIGHTON captain Lewis Dunk became the first victim in 15 years during a game to receive a red card and a two-match ban for dissent.
The Seagulls skipper was sent off for arguing with referee Anthony Taylor over a harsh penalty decision against Nottingham Forest.
Brighton managed to secure three points in their 3-2 victory at the City Ground as Dunk, 32, was sent off with 20 minutes to go.
He was initially shown a yellow card for dissent but just 12 seconds later the red was held up.
A straight red in this situation followed by a two-match ban is for “offensive, insulting or abusive language”.
The last time a player was handed a straight red for dissent during game time was Alan Smith for Newcastle when the Magpies were beaten 6-0 by Manchester United in January 2008.
Former Sunderland star Lee Cattermole was shown a red for dissent in March 2012 against Newcastle but this was given after the final whistle.
Attitudes towards officials have been amplified this term with Mikel Arteta and Mauricio Pochettino who have both expressed their criticism of refereeing decisions in recent games.
Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi also chipped in on the matter and said: “I am honest and clear – I don’t like 80 per cent of England’s referees.
“It’s not new. I don’t like them. I don’t like their behaviour on the pitch.”
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Before Dunk’s dismissal, Brighton were 3-1 up but Morgan Gibbs-White‘s late goal had the Seagulls fighting till the last minute.
The Italian boss also refused to shake Steve Cooper‘s hand after their win in Nottingham.
De Sebri said after the match: “Today the spirit and soul made a difference.
“We have good players and are a good team and we always have to show this character.
“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.”
