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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.

Lewis Dunk of Brighton & Hove Albion talks to Referee, Anthony Taylor during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion at City Ground on November 25, 2023 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

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.

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