Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler not banned for Chelsea match after chat with Howard Webb

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler will not serve a touchline ban against Chelsea following his red card in last weekend’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Nottingham Forest.

The German also revealed Seagulls forward Joao Pedro is likely to miss Saturday’s match at Stamford Bridge due to an ankle injury sustained during the tackle by Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White which sparked the late drama.

Gibbs-White was dismissed for a second yellow card following the incident, with Hurzeler and Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo subsequently sent off, before all three were on Tuesday charged by the Football Association.

Hurzeler, who was punished for stepping on to the Amex Stadium pitch after the foul on Pedro, this week had a “very respectful” conversation with Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer of Professional Game Match Officials Limited.

“I know what the fine will be and I also know that I will be on the sideline against Chelsea,” he said.

“I think that’s the most positive thing: that I can support my team, I can help my team.”

“I also have to learn out of this situation, how fast you can get a red card here in this league. But, of course, the fine we will accept.”

Pedro came on as a 71st-minute substitute against Forest after missing Albion’s previous two matches with an injury sustained on international duty with Brazil.

The 23-year-old now faces another spell on the sidelines.

“This tackle you can see it in TV but you have to see it on the pitch, how hard it was, which dynamic it was,” said Hurzeler.

“It was a hard tackle and Joao had some problems after the game, he still has some problems.”

“We have to go week for week with him. But I don’t think he will be an option for the weekend. I’m not sure how long he will be out.”

“I think Joao is a good healer. I’m convinced he will be back soon. But of course also with this player we can’t take any risks.”

Hurzeler said his “emotional” response to Gibbs-White’s lunge was out of concern for Pedro.

Referee Robert Jones originally made the shape of a ball to indicate a clean tackle before changing his mind, with fourth official Anthony Taylor possibly influencing the final verdict.

Hurzeler was initially unsure why he was dismissed.

“If you give a red card for this, you have to ban a lot of coaches during the games because in an emotional situation of the game it will happen that you make a step on the pitch,” said the 31-year-old.

“Of course we are role models and we have to act like this. But I think sometimes you also should bring out your emotions.”

“In this case it was to protect Joao Pedro because it was a hard tackle on him.”

“If I don’t show emotions there, me as a player, I would say, ‘the coach isn’t interested in me’, so that’s why I try to show emotions in some part of the games.”

Hurzeler was charged by the FA with acting in an improper manner.

Counterpart Nuno faces the same charge, while he is also alleged to have used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official.

“Howard Webb is very open: he listens to me and he gives a clear explanation of the situation, how the referee saw the scene, how the fourth official saw the scene,” said Hurzeler.

“It’s very important to have a good discussion and a clear discussion how I see the things, how they see the things because in the end you should have a good relationship.”

“It’s very important we have a respectful relationship and the exchange with Howard was very respectful and very empathetic and listening and in the end I hope we will find the right solutions.”

Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari is available to face Chelsea after illness, while summer signing Brajan Gruda could be involved following injury.