Lewis Dunk was given two yellow cards in quick succession for dissent during Brighton's 3-2 win at Nottingham Forest.
The defender was given his marching orders by Anthony Taylor after persistently challenging a penalty decision awarded to Forest.
Brighton midfielder Jack Hinshelwood dragged Callum Hudson-Odoi to the ground and while Taylor initially waved shouts away, he gave the spot-kick after reviewing the foul at the monitor.
Dunk was irate and got in the face of Taylor before confronting fourth official Andy Davies after he was sent off.
The flare-up comes amid Mail Sport's campaign titled 'Stop Abusing Referees', which seeks to shine a light on the aggressive behaviour officials face.