Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi will escape Football Association punishment for his comments about disliking ‘80 per cent of England’s referees’ – leniency which has infuriated Arsenal after Mikel Arteta was charged for his own rant.

Speaking after Brighton’s 1-1 draw with Sheffield United, in which Mahmoud Dahoud was red carded before the international break, De Zerbi said of the Premier League's match officials: ‘I am honest and clear. I don't like 80 per cent of England's referees.

'It's not new. I don’t like them. I don’t like their behaviour on the pitch.’

Mail Sport can reveal the FA will not be charging the 44-year-old Italian after reviewing his post-match comments. 

Instead they have issued De Zerbi with a formal warning relating to his future conduct.

Roberto De Zerbi will escape punishment despite insisting he dislikes '80 per cent of referees'

Arteta was charged for his outburst following Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle when he described Anthony Gordon’s winning goal as ‘an absolute disgrace’, adding: 'We have to talk about how the hell this goal stands up. I feel embarrassed. 

'For more than one reason, it should not be a goal. I have been more than 20 years in this country and it is nowhere near the level of the best league of the world.'

The FA announced their charge against the 41-year-old Spaniard last week, stating: ‘It is alleged that his comments constitute misconduct as they are insulting towards match officials and/or detrimental to the game and/or bring the game into disrepute.’

Arteta was granted more time to respond to his FA charge this week and it is understood Arsenal may cite De Zerbi’s comments in their defence, feeling it shows double standards and that they are being singled out.

The fallout over comments made by managers comes as Mail Sport this week launched our campaign calling on all of football to show respect towards referees, from the Premier League to grassroots.