Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi faces ban over referee comments after Chelsea defeat

Roberto De Zerbi could be fined and/or banned for his comments about the referee during Brighton’s defeat to Chelsea.

The Seagulls were beaten 2-1 by the Blues at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday night and the manager was not happy with Michael Salisbury.

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He felt his team should have had a penalty and that would have changed the game.

He said BBC Sport: “I think we played a very good second half and the second part of the first half as well. We know the qualities of Chelsea.

“I think we did our best and we still have one game to reach the top 10. It has been a very difficult season and the fans have understood everything.

“We competed well but lost too many points at home, especially in the first part of the season and we paid for it.

“I think it was a clear penalty today. But the problem is not the VAR, the problem is the level of the referees. Today I didn’t like the referee’s performance. But I make more mistakes than the referee.

“I’m happy for this season but I’m sorry because I’m disappointed and I wish we competed in a different way. Next season we can be a stronger team and team.”

This is not the first time De Zerbi has targeted referees this season.

He was fined £15,000 and given a one-match touchline ban because he didn’t like 80 per cent of the referees after being sent off against Fulham in November.

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Brighton are currently 10th in the Premier League and end their season against Manchester United on Sunday.

The Seagulls cannot finish higher than 10th following their defeat to Chelsea.