But he said he did not deserve his red card at Tottenham. De Zerbi and opposite number Cristian Stellini were both sent from the benches in a highly controversial Premier League clash. Spurs won 2-1 after Albion had two goals ruled out and at least one justifiable penalty appeal waved away. The flashpoint on the touchline came soon after the second goal was ruled out.
Roberto De Zerbi said: “I didn’t say anything to the referee. I didn’t put any pressure on the referee. I don’t like when the other bench put pressure on the referee. We have to help the referee, not to put more pressure in this stadium, in this atmosphere.”
De Zerbi has been red-carded twice in recent weeks and also served a ban for four yellows.
Roberto De Zerbi said: “In my career it is the first time I have had so many red cards. I’ve had two games in the stand and we won both. I don’t think there’s a problem. When I was in the dressing room, there was a clear penalty on Mitoma.”
Relations between De Zerbi and Stellini appeared tense from before kick-off. The Seagulls boss put that down to “personal things”.
Roberto De Zerbi said: “I am used to always respecting everyone inside the pitch and outside the pitch and I don’t like when people don’t respect me. I always respect everyone, especially the coaches. I can answer for me, not for him. There is a personal situation and I told him what was my opinion, my idea – not bad words, only my opinion.”
De Zerbi praised his side’s display.
Roberto De Zerbi added: “For sure we are very proud of the performance. We played a great, great game and I think we deserved to win.”
De Zerbi said he was unclear whether he would be banned from the technical area when his side play Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final.
