BRIGHTON captain Lewis Dunk has become the first player in 15 years to be sent off for dissent during a match.
The Seagulls captain was sent off for arguing with referee Anthony Taylor over a harsh penalty against Nottingham Forest.
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Lewis Dunk was shown a red card for disagreeing with referee Anthony Taylor Credit: Rex
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Dunk will face a two game ban for the incident Credit: Rex
Dunk (32) was sent off with 20 minutes to go and Brighton managed to keep the three points with a 3-2 win at the City Ground.
At first he was shown a yellow card for dissent, but only 12 seconds later he received a red.
A straight red for “offensive, abusive or insulting language” will be punished with a two match ban.
The last time a player was shown a straight red for dissent during a game 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 it was awarded after the final whistle.
Attitudes towards officials have intensified this term with Mikel Arteta and Mauricio Pochettino among those who have criticized refereeing decisions in recent games.
Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi also weighed in on the matter, saying: “I’m honest and clear – I don’t like 80 per cent of English referees.
“It’s not news. I don’t like them. I don’t like their behavior on the field.”
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Before Dunk’s dismissal, Brighton led 3-1, but a late goal from Morgan Gibbs-White kept the Seagulls in contention until the last minute.
The Italian boss also refused to shake Steve Cooper’s hand after the win in Nottingham.
De Zebri said after the match: “Today spirit and soul made the difference.
“We have good players and we are a good team and we always have to show that character.
“At the moment we have a lot of injuries and this is one of the most difficult moments in my career so it was a big celebration.
“We are very happy and I am proud of the attitude and character we showed in a really difficult time.”
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