Tempers flared between the benches of Tottenham and Brighton as both managers, Cristian Stellini and Roberto De Zerbi, were sent off following a heated row.
The incident was sparked by the disallowing of Brighton’s goal for a handball, which led to a physical altercation in the dugout.
Both managers were shown red cards for failing to calm down their team members, who were involved in the brawl.
Journalist Alasdair Gold suggested that Stellini’s dismissal was unfair, as he was not involved in the altercation. He also claimed that De Zerbi had been provoking the Spurs bench throughout the game.
Both dugouts clash. De Zerbi has been constantly talking to & seemingly winding up the Spurs bench. Stellini and Mason weren't involved at all, it was Tottenham's fitness coach Stefano Bruno and others. Yet De Zerbi and Stellini have been sent off. Complete mistake from the ref.
— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) April 8, 2023
The pair had a slight confrontation before the game as well. It is reported that De Zerbi was not too happy with his Italian counterpart’s comments about him that suggested his success at Brighton is due to his predecessor Graham Potter.
During the pre-game handshake, De Zerbi was angry gesturing at the Tottenham boss about something with Stellini looking perplexed.
Watch the incident below:
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
A fiery start to Spurs v Brighton 😳
Roberto De Zerbi with some strong words for Tottenham's interim boss Cristian Stellini after the pre-match handshake! 🤬
Stream #PLGoalRush LIVE, or on demand after, here 📺 https://t.co/otj7WlGm6Y#OptusSport #PL pic.twitter.com/oxpEjcLjCi
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) April 8, 2023
