Why was Igor Thiago sent off against Brighton?

Igor Thiago was sent off for “violent conduct” to leave Brentford down to 10 men against Brighton.

The striker clashed with Brighton midfielder Chema Andres during the first half of the Premier League fixture at the Amex.

After Andres fouled Thiago by grabbing the Brazilian from behind, Thiago reacted by attempting to push Andres away.

But as Thiago motioned for the second time, he caught Andres in the face with his right forearm, with Andres going to ground.

Thiago and Andres were both initially booked for the incident, referee Michael Oliver was sent to the pitchside monitor for a VAR review.

Referee Oliver then decided to overturn the initial yellow card and upgrade it to red, explaining Thiago “pushes his opponent in the face with force”.

The striker, who scored 22 Premier League goals last season but has managed just two so far this campaign, will be suspended from Brentford’s next three games.

Brighton and Hove Albion’s Chema Andres goes down after being pushed in the face by Brentford’s Igor Thiago (PA)

He will miss the matches against Everton, Manchester United and Arsenal following the international break, and can only return on 5 December against Manchester City.

Brighton were leading 1-0 when Thiago was sent off, following Diego Gomez’s stunning volley.

The Seagulls will go second in the Premier League, after 10 games, if they win their seventh match of the season.