Fabian Hurzeler has been branded as a ‘disgrace’ for seemingly failing to acknowledge Brighton’s travelling fans following their record defeat.
Despite boasting 62 per cent possession, Hurzeler’s side was thrashed 7-0 by Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday as Chris Wood bagged a hat-trick.
Forest raced out to a 3-0 lead at half-time and slammed four more after the interval, with two coming in the last remaining minutes.
The result condemned Brighton to their worst league defeat in 67 years and was their second loss on the trot having dropped a 1-0 result to Everton last Saturday.
Following the defeat, Brighton’s players and staff stood in front of their travelling supporters for some time.
However, a number of fans on social media noted Hurzeler was not amongst them.
One shared a snap of the Seagulls squad and wrote on X: “This is everyone who bothered to come to the fans at the end of the game.
“The fact that Hurzeler turned around at the halfway line is a disgrace.”
Another posted: “Have backed him all season but Hurzeler not going to the fans? Cowardice embarrassment. Shocking from him. The embodiment of inexperience.
“He can’t control everything that happens on the pitch, but can’t even stroll 40 yards to apologetically applaud fans? Horrendous. Furious.”
A third added: “Only remotely acceptable excuse for Hurzeler not going to the fans at the end there is because he’s got to go and get his suitcase packed for his flight back to Germany.”
Hurzeler was not asked why he didn’t appear to applaud the away fans, but did apologise for his team’s lacklustre display.
“It is not easy but we have to apologise for this result, to our supporters,” Hurzeler said.
“They spend a lot of time and money supporting us and they are very disappointed about the result and therefore we can just apologise.”
Hurzeler conceded the loss was the lowest point of his short managerial career, but vowed to bounce back.
“Although I am young and new to the Premier League, I am sure I will find solutions because that is also part of the truth, getting bad losses is part of a journey, part of a process and therefore you have to go through it,” Hurzeler remarked.
“Being successful is not a comfortable journey and therefore I am someone who really trusts in the process.”
Despite the heavy defeat, Brighton ended the day in tenth spot on 34 points.
However, Hurzeler’s side could drop one place in the table should Brentford pick up three points against Tottenham on Sunday given the Bees have a superior goal difference.
The German boss will look to put the Forest humiliation further in the rear-view mirror when Brighton host Chelsea in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday.