Britos' red proves costly, admits Silva
Watford 0-0 Brighton
Brighton & Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton reacts after the final whistle Photo: Scott Heavey/PA Wire
Marco Silva felt Miguel Britos' moment of madness altered the outcome of the game as Watford were held to a goalless draw by Brighton. Uruguayan defender Britos was dismissed for a dangerous, studs-up lunge on Anthony Knockaert with 24 minutes played at Vicarage Road.
The sending-off - the 32-year-old's third in 20 Premier League games - disrupted the Hornets' flow and meant his team-mates were forced to dig deep to extend their unbeaten start to the league season. Manager Silva was critical of Britos, but would not reveal whether he would be fined.
Watford's Tom Cleverley in action with Brighton's Solly March Photo: REUTERS/Eddie Keogh
"It's a red, I think it's a fair red card as well," Silva said. "It's one moment Britos didn't do the right decision and the right action and of course it's a really important moment of the match. In this one moment, one experienced player like him, it's impossible to lose your control and he lost his emotional balance.
"The game changed after this moment. He (Britos) talked to me, he talked to his team-mates as well and what he told we keep in our dressing room."
Portuguese Silva has now seen Watford win one and draw two of three league games since he took over in the summer.
Brighton manager Chris Hughton was adamant his side should have been awarded a second-half spot-kick as they collected their first ever Premier League point. Referee Graham Scott opted to give an indirect free-kick in the area after Frenchman Knockaert was caught in the face by the boot of Hornets midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Watford's Richarlison battles for the ball with Brighton's Liam Rosenior Photo: REUTERS/Eddie Keogh
"It should have been a penalty," Hughton said. "You only have to look at Knockaert's nose to see that there was contact."
Hughton has still not seen Albion score in the top flight following their third league match of the campaign. Despite securing a positive result, he said: "At this moment, I'd veer towards thinking it's two points dropped."
