Courtesy: X
Nuno Espirito Santo, the manager of Nottingham Forest, has been banned from touchline for three matches after an incident that occurred during Nottingham Forest's 2-2 draw against Brighton last month. In the immediate aftermath of the FA decision, the 50-year-old expressed his surprise, but at the same time, he stated that it's a significant sanction, but there's nothing he or Nottingham Forest can do about it.
Apart from Nuno Espirito Santo, Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has been suspended for one game after being charged for his reaction to his dismissal in the 2-2 draw against Brighton. He was sent off in the 83rd minute after receiving a second yellow card, leading to a red card being issued to him, followed by both Nuno and Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler in the ensuing chaos. Nuno has been penalized with a fine of £55,000, whereas Gibbs-White has been fined £20,000. Hurzeler received an £8,000 fine, but managed to avoid a touchline ban.
It's a significant sanction, but there's nothing we can do: Nuno Espirito Santo
A statement from the Football Association (FA) on the matter read, "It was alleged that the Nottingham Forest head coach, Nuno, acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting language towards a match official. The Nottingham Forest midfielder, Gibbs-White, allegedly acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting language towards the fourth official after being sent off. It was also alleged that the Brighton and Hove Albion manager, Hurzeler, acted in an improper manner."
Nuno expressed his surprise at FA's decision, stating, "It's a significant sanction, but there's nothing we can do. We had a hearing, and everything went smoothly. The sanction has been decided. Let's move on." In the meantime, Forest have indicated that they will appeal a five-match stadium ban imposed on owner Evangelos Marinakis, who was found guilty of improper conduct after their defeat to Fulham in September.
Moreover, Nottingham Forest will host Crystal Palace at the City Ground on Monday, followed by a match against Leicester away on Friday, resulting in two midweek games in the Premier League.
