LONDON (AP) — Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi won’t be on the touchline for Saturday’s Premier League game against West Ham as a result of a one-match suspension for abusive behavior toward a match official.
The Football Association on Friday announced the ban and a fine of 15,000 pounds ($18,000) for De Zerbi’s actions following a 1-0 loss to Fulham on Feb. 18.
“The head coach admitted that his behavior on the pitch at fulltime was improper, and that his behavior and/or language in the tunnel afterward toward a match official was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper,” the governing body said in a statement.
It added that an independent regulatory commission imposed the sanctions following a hearing.
De Zerbi had argued with officials after his team saw two would-be goals disallowed before giving up a late winner.
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