Brighton's Lewis Dunk was shown a straight red - not a second yellow - because his language to the referee was personally abusive, Mail Sport understands.
It is a sign of match officials refusing to accept the lack of respect that has been shown to them this season, with Anthony Taylor taking a hardline approach in Brighton's 3-2 win at Nottingham Forest in response to Dunk's foul and abusive language.
While it has not been revealed what was specifically said by Dunk, Taylor deemed his aggressive reaction worthy of a direct dismissal. That is despite the assumption that the Brighton defender was shown a second yellow.