Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton and Hove Albion’s head coaches were both sent off during their Premier League meeting on Saturday.
Tottenham acting head coach Cristian Stellini and Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi appeared to clash when shaking hands ahead of the game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before a further altercation in the second-half resulted in both being sent off.
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The two, at first, appeared cordial during the routine pre-match handshake before De Zerbi escalated the interaction and pointed a finger at his opposite number.
The two then parted before De Zerbi turned to offer further words ahead of kick off.
In the second-half a second interaction involving a number of coaches from both sides resulted in referee Stuart Attwell showing both red cards.
What happened?
The two head coaches exchanged words ahead of kick off of Saturday’s game with De Zerbi also remonstrating towards his fellow Italian.
A second clash in the second-half, this time involving a number of coaches from both benches, saw both ordered from the field.
Law 12 in the International Football Association Board (IFAB) laws of the game state that “where an offence is committed and the offender cannot be identified, the senior team coach present in the technical area will receive the sanction”.
Roberto De Zerbi and Cristian Stellini appeared to have a heated exchange before the start of Brighton's clash with Tottenham 👀 pic.twitter.com/YqKsN2M6ls
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 8, 2023
What has been said before?
Stellini appeared to hint at De Zerbi benefitting from the good job predecessor Graham Potter did prior to his arrival on the south coast.
“They are well positioned, they plan a match in the right way, they have many solutions also and they adapt themselves when you change something because they came from a good job that Potter did with them for a long time,” he said ahead of the game.
“Also I think De Zerbi find a good solution to play with his style because that team came with Potter and they know themselves very well.
“This is a great opportunity because when players play for a long time with each other, it is easier and they plan very well the match.”
What was said after?
Asked about the first incident, De Zerbi said: “I am used to respecting everyone inside and outside the pitch and I don’t like it when people don’t respect me. It’s personal things.”
Asked if he felt Stellini didn’t respect him? “Yes. It was a personal situation and I told him my opinion, my idea, not bad words, only my opinion. I always respect everyone, especially the coaches. I can only answer for me, not for him.”
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He added: “I didn’t say anything to the referee during the game, I didn’t put pressure on the referee. I don’t like it when the other bench puts pressure on the referee.
“I don’t know (what’s happening now). Maybe I’ve changed the league and I have to change habits. I think I didn’t deserve the red card, but I have to accept the decision.
“I can’t change my passion, my way on the bench. I’d like to stay on the bench. I will try to change something.”
Stellini was calm when quizzed after the game.
“I don’t like to be involved when there is a fight or something too aggressive,” he said. “I’m quiet and focused on the game. I try to do my job. I don’t like to show something bad.”
Do either have any previous?
De Zerbi has fallen foul of the authorities on a number of occasions in his first year in the Premier League and was recently handed a touchline ban following his fourth yellow card of the season.
He served another one-match ban earlier in the season after being sent off against Fulham in February and, although there are no automatic suspensions for technical area red cards, will be sweating on further punishment following this latest infringement.
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(Photo: Getty Images)