Lewis Dunk was on the wrong end of history as he became the first player in 15 years to be sent off for dissent.
Dunk was shown a red card for arguing with referee Anthony Taylor after he gave away a penalty in the Seagulls’ 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest.
The 32-year-old was sent off with 20 minutes to go. He was initially shown a yellow card for dissent only for Taylor to upgrade it 12 seconds later.
His sending off for “offensive, insulting or abusive language” will be punished with a two-match ban.
Lewis Dunk dismissal did not cost Brighton victory
It’s been 15 years since a similar incident happened when Alan Smith was sent off for dissent in Newcastle United’s 6-0 defeat by Manchester United in January 2008.
Lee Cattermole was sent off for dissent in March 2012 against Newcastle, however that red card was shown after the game and not while it was being played.
After the win at the City Ground, and Brighton’s first since September, De Zerbi said: “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.”
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