Brighton captain Dunk shown direct red card for abusing ref

Brighton captain Lewis Dunk was shown a direct red card by referee Anthony Taylor for abusive language, it has been claimed.

The Daily Mail says Dunk was sent off for foul and abusive language towards Taylor. He had been on a yellow card, but was sent off with a direct red shown.

It left Brighton with ten men for the final 25 minutes at Nottingham Forest, but they still managed to win 3-2.

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

The direct red for abusive language is the first shown in the Premier League in 12 years.