Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo says he is “surprised” to have been banned from the touchline for three matches due to his red card in the draw against Brighton last month.

Midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, who was also charged for his reaction after being sent off during the 2-2 draw, has been suspended for one match.

Gibbs-White was sent off in the 83rd minute after receiving a second booking, with Nuno and Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler both subsequently shown a red card.

“I’m surprised. It’s a big sanction but there’s nothing we can do,” Nuno said.

“We had a hearing, everything was normal. The sanction has been decided. Let’s go.”

Meanwhile, Forest have announced they will appeal a five-match stadium ban imposed on owner Evangelos Marinakis.

He was found guilty of inappropriate conduct following Forest’s defeat to Fulham in September.

As well as a three-match ban, Nuno was fined £55,000 and Gibbs-White £20,000.

Brighton boss Hurzeler was fined £8,000 but avoided a touchline ban.

A statement from the Football Federation, external read: “It was alleged that the head coach of Nottingham Forest (Nuno) acted inappropriately and/or used abusive and/or insulting language towards a match official.

“Nottingham Forest midfielder (Gibbs-White) allegedly acted inappropriately and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official after being sent off.

“It was alleged that the Brighton and Hove Albion manager (Hurzeler) acted inappropriately.”