Ex-Premier League referee: Roberto De Zerbi set for FA charge as Brighton footage emerges
Keith Hackett has suggested Thomas Frank and Roberto De Zerbi could be warned and fined for their altercation in Brentford’s game against Brighton on Friday (14 October).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former UEFA and Premier League referee said the two managers are likely to be cautioned for the incident in Brentford’s 2-0 win.
As shown on Sky Sports (14 October), the two managers became involved in a first half scuffle that needed floods of players to calm them down.
As the ball went out of play on the touchline, the Bees boss and Brighton’s Joel Veltman tussled for it before De Zerbi rushed over to get involved.
Both managers were shown yellow cards by referee Micahel Salisbury but shook hands after the incident.
Hackett suggested the managers could receive a more serious punishment in the form of a fine.
“There was an altercation between two managers and they were both shown yellow cards,” he told Football Insider.
“They are more likely to receive either a warning letter and a small fine as a means of saying do not do this and a wrap across the knuckles.“
As quoted by the Daily Mail after the game (14 October), De Zerbi said he “doesn’t like it” when other teams’ coaches touch his players.
The Seagulls boss insisted that there was “no problem” between the two managers.
A win on Friday would have put Brighton in the Champions League places but they remain seventh in the English top flight.
In other news, a medical insider has suggested Enock Mwepu may return to Brighton in new role after talks update.