Fuming Brentford and Brighton players and staff clash in mass brawl after Thomas Frank SHOVES Joel Veltman

THOMAS FRANK shoved Joel Veltman then squared up to Roberto Di Zerbi to spark a mass brawl as tempers flared at Brentford.

The ball rolled to the Bees boss in the technical area just before half-time of his side's 2-0 win over Brighton.

And as Joel Veltman tried to rush and grab it to take a quick throw-in, Frank put his foot across to try and stop the Dutch full-back.

The Danish gaffer - taking charge of Brentford for the 200th time - then pointed to himself, claiming the throw should go to his side.

Veltman, who was in two further scuffles in the first half, then gave Frank a gentle push.

But within a flash, new Seagulls chief De Zerbi ran over to back his man and challenge Frank.

The fiery Italian held on to his defender and pointed an accusatory finger at his opposite number as they squared up to each other.

Before they could go at it, though, players and coaching staff from both sides jumped in and pulled them apart.

Referee Michael Salisbury spoke with both managers and duly showed them yellow cards.

But there was no lasting animosity as De Zerbi offered a hand in apology which Frank accepted in a classy gesture - unlike the chaos between Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte earlier in the season.

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Fans watching on from home were loving the entertainment in the dugouts after witnessing Ivan Toney's cheeky backheel finish.

One joked: "Brentford you may win this game but De Zerbi would absolutely clatter Frank in a fight so who’s the real winner."

Another quipped: "If we’re being honest, De Zerbi would get smoked by Thomas Frank, Frank’s got the lethal messy hair and crazy eyes combo."

Broadcaster Declan McCarthy added pitchside: "Thomas Frank thought he was being smart. Then he met Roberto De Zerbi."