Punishment handed out after Lewis Dunk handed red card for rare reason that hasn't happened for 15 years

Lewis Dunk has received his punishment after his shock red card in Brighton's 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The Seagulls came from behind to win at the City Ground, with Joao Pedro scoring twice and Evan Ferguson also on target.

Brighton were 3-1 up with just under 20 minutes to play when their task was made a little harder.

A penalty shout on Callum Hudson-Odoi eventually resulted in a spot-kick being awarded by Anthony Taylor following a VAR review.

But Brighton skipper Dunk received his marching orders for two yellow cards in quick succession during the protests.

The cautions were issued 21 seconds apart, meaning Dunk was dismissed for the fifth time in his career.

Some had wondered whether it was a mistake on Taylor's part before it was later revealed that he was sent off for "foul and abusive language".

Image: Getty

Dunk could be seen speaking to Taylor in an aggressive manner, with the official appearing to tell defender Jan Paul van Hecke why he sent the England international off.

Two yellow cards typically lead to one-match bans but because Dunk's offence was dissent, the Daily Mail say that he will serve a two-match suspension.

It means Dunk will be absent for upcoming games against Chelsea and Brentford, in a huge blow for the East Sussex outfit.

Image: Getty

A dissent dismissal is something of a rarity in the Premier League. It's said that the last instance was back in 2008, with Alan Smith sent off in Newcastle's 6-0 defeat against former club Manchester United.

There have been cases of players being sent off after the final whistle.

“I have not spoken yet with Lewis, he is a good guy, maybe he made a mistake," manager Roberto Di Zerbi said, as per The Argus.

“For me the situation is not clear. We have to accept the referee’s decision.

“I always accept the referee’s decision. Dunky is a fan of Brighton, he is not a simple player. We can understand his emotion and his mistakes.

“I don’t like rules. I am not a policeman, I am coach. He said sorry to everyone, he has understood his mistake.”

Topics: Brighton And Hove Albion, Nottingham Forest

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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