Nuno ‘surprised’ after three-match ban for red card

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Nuno Espirito Santo (right) was sent off after Morgan Gibbs-White’s dismissal [Getty Images]

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo says he is “surprised” after being banned from the touchline for three matches for his red card in the draw against Brighton last month.

Midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, who was also charged for his reaction to being dismissed in the 2-2 draw, has been suspended for one game.

Gibbs-White was sent off in the 83rd minute after receiving a second booking, with Nuno and Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler both red carded in the aftermath.

“I’m surprised – it’s a big sanction but there’s nothing we can do,” said Nuno.

“It’s not for me to judge, my job is to move forward and make sure the coaching staff are ready to help the team.

“We had a hearing, everything was normal. The sanction has been decided. Let’s go.”

Nuno has also been fined £55,000 and Gibbs-White £20,000.

Hurzeler was given an £8,000 fine, but avoided a touchline ban.

A Football Association statement read: “It was alleged that the Nottingham Forest head coach [Nuno] acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official.

“The Nottingham Forest midfielder [Gibbs-White] allegedly acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official after being sent off.

“It was alleged that the Brighton and Hove Albion manager [Hurzeler] acted in an improper manner.”

It said Nuno, Gibbs-White and Hurzeler all admitted to their respective charges, with the punishments enforced by the independent regulatory commission.

Forest had asked for more time to prepare a response having initially been given until 27 September.

Nuno apologised for his reaction to the officials, including referee Rob Jones and fourth official Anthony Taylor, and had hoped his contrition would lead to leniency.

However, not only was the Portuguese manager given a two-match ban for this specific incident, a one-game suspended ban – for comments following Forest’s 2-0 defeat at Everton in April – was also activated.

They came after Forest’s controversial social media post which called VAR Stuart Attwell’s integrity into question.

Last week, the club was fined £750,000 for the post, which was seen over 45 million times.

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