Furious Brighton boss risks ban after referee rant

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi was shown a red card by referee Darren England in the aftermath of his side’s 1-0 defeat to Fulham at home on Saturday.

Brighton dominated the entire fixture but fell to defeat after Manor Solomon scored for Fulham in the 88th minute. 

An angry De Zerbi confronted the match officials at full time and insisted he had not used any foul or provocative language. 

Asked why he was given his marching orders, De Zerbi replied: 

“Because I told the referee that this week we had a meeting with his boss [Howard Webb] and I lost time and lost time in my work and my job because I think the level of refereeing in the Premier League is very bad. To progress we have to be with a different attitude.

“The referee today wasn’t in a good attitude. But it’s not a problem, I didn’t say any bad words but I told him my opinion.

"I lost time. I lost time in my work to prepare my team. It was the last time I will have a meeting.

As yet, it is unclear whether De Zerbi will face retrospective action for his remarks, with a ban possibly on the horizon.

 As a result of the red card, he will  face a one-match touchline ban, but that ban could be increased if further investigation is conducted.

The defeat to Fulham was Brighton’s first in eight matches and they will feel very disappointed at the inability to put away any of the chances they created throughout the course of the game.