EXCLUSIVE: Lewis Dunk was shown a straight RED card for his dissent towards Anthony Taylor in Brighton’s win over Nottingham Forest – NOT a second yellow – because his language was personally abusive

Brighton’s Lewis Dunk was shown a straight red – not a second yellow – because his language to the referee was personally abusive, Mail Sport understands.

It is a sign of match officials refusing to accept the lack of respect that has been shown to them this season, with Anthony Taylor taking a hardline approach in Brighton’s 3-2 win at Nottingham Forest in response to Dunk’s foul and abusive language.

While it has not been revealed what was specifically said by Dunk, Taylor deemed his aggressive reaction worthy of a direct dismissal. That is despite the assumption that the Brighton defender was shown a second yellow.

It means Dunk is set to serve a three-match suspension rather than missing one game.

Brighton celebrated the win wildly at full-time after holding on to win despite being down to 10 men.

Dunk was shown his marching orders following abuse aimed at referee Anthony Taylor 

Mail Sport has launched a campaign to stop the abuse of referees at all levels of the game

Dunk is the first player to see a straight red for dissent since Mike Dean showed Lee Cattermole his marching orders in 2011 and is further evidence of the staggering number of cards shown for the offence.  

Mail Sport this week launched our campaign against abuse amid concerns that it trickled down to grassroots football where referees face less protection.

A staggering 10,000 referees have left football in the last five years and a surge of shameful antics by top-flight managers – be it Mikel Arteta, Mauricio Pochettino, Jurgen Klopp, or Marco Silva – has magnified how rotten examples are set at the top.

The Brighton defender got in the face of fourth official Andy Davies after his dismissal

VAR and it’s controversial calls have been the hot topic this season and has seen referees become subject of unnecessary abuse from both players and managers. 

After Dunk’s dismissal Morgan Gibbs-White convereted the penalty that so outraged the England captain to give Forest a lifeline in the game. 

The home side had taken the lead in the match through Anthony Elanga, before Evan Ferguson equalised for the visitors. 

Goals either side of half time from Joao Pedro saw the Seagulls ultimately claim all three points, despite playing the last quarter of the game with 10 men.