Brighton and Hove Albion boss makes Lewis Dunk quip as skipper discovers fate after red card against Nottingham Forest

Albion secured a 3-2 victory over Steve Cooper's men at the City Ground on Saturday and did it with just 10 men for the last 25 minutes or so after Dunk's dismissal.

The centre-back was initially booked for encroaching while referee Anthony Taylor checked the VAR monitor, to look at Callum Hudson-Odoi's penalty claim, before receiving a straight red seconds later for foul and abusive language following the official's decision to award Forest a spot-kick.

It has since been confirmed that the Brighton captain will miss the next two Premier League games – away at Chelsea on Sunday (December 3) and at home against Brentford on Wednesday, December 6.

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Head coach De Zerbi was not too critical of the defender and even joked it was hypocritical for him to lambast the 32-year-old as the Italian's emotions often get the better of him.

When asked if he was disappointed with Dunk's costly actions: "I think for sure he made a mistake, he was wrong in that situation. I don't know what he said, maybe he is like his gaffer, no? In terms of passion and emotion. I can't say anything because I am the first to show my passion."

Dunk is the first player to be sent off for abusing a referee while on the pitch during a game since Alan Smith, for Newcastle United against Manchester United, in January 2008.

Dunk’s ban could not have come at a worse time, with more than 10 players at risk of missing Thursday's trip to AEK Athens in a crucial Europa League clash. A win for Brighton will secure their passage into the knockout stages of the competition.