After no handshake, Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper sends a message to Roberto De Zerbi.

Following Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi’s jubilant post-match celebrations, Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper says he was raised to “always” shake hands with managers after games.

Albion earned their first Premier League victory in seven years with a 3-2 victory at City Ground on Saturday. Early on, Anthony Elanga put the hosts ahead, but Evan Ferguson equalized before substitute Joao Pedro‘s brace.

Morgan Gibbs-White scored from the penalty spot shortly after Lewis Dunk was sent off for his rash protest, but the Seagulls held on for a crucial three points.

When the final whistle blew, De Zerbi dashed over to Brighton’s away fans instead of shaking Cooper’s hand, which surprised the Welsh manager.

“However, if you ask me what I intend to do, I will always shake hands.” But I understand that it may be different elsewhere. That’s the way it is.”

De Zerbi described this period as one of the “toughest” in his managerial career, owing to Brighton’s attempt to balance playing in the Europa League and the Premier League, as well as the sheer number of injuries his team is dealing with.

Ansu Fati and Tariq Lamptey were both forced off in the first half, bringing Albion‘s injury total to ten. That, and much more, explains De Zerbi’s delight.

“I want to explain our celebration, it wasn’t disrespectful to the opponent because I am used to living inside of football, but we are suffering a lot with injuries, we lost two players in the first half, we suffered a red card, we lost two points in the last games against Sheffield United and Fulham, the last win in the Premier League was at the end of September,” he went on to say.

“We are suffering greatly because this is one of the most difficult periods in my career.” It was a huge celebration. We are overjoyed, and I am very proud of the character and attitude we demonstrated during a difficult time. It is difficult for Brighton to compete in two competitions without 10 players, seventh in the league and in the Europa League with Ajax, AEK Athens, and Marseille.

“We celebrated it like the final in the Champions League, it was not the Champions League, but the way we won the game with 10 players without the captain was excellent.”