Keith Hackett: Joao Moutinho should have been sent off in Leeds United win v Wolves
We’re delighted to welcome former Premier League referee Keith Hackett to the MOT Leeds News team. Each week, Hackett will discuss the big moments from the latest Leeds United games and deliver his verdict on whether his successors got their calls right or wrong…
Keith Hackett has insisted that Wolves star Joao Moutinho should also have been sent off against Leeds United on Friday.
The ex-FIFA official admitted that the Whites scoring directly after the foul on Stuart Dallas may have altered the officials’ opinions.
Moutinho caught Dallas above the shinpad with his studs showing only minutes after Raul Jiminez was given his marching orders in the 3-2 thriller.
“That’s a red card,” he exclusively told MOT Leeds News.
“I’m surprised that wasn’t picked up by VAR, whether they’ve been influenced by if they go back the goal could be ruled out, but the ultimate thing is, that player has gone in high with his foot, that’s a danger of safety.
“That is a red card offence missed, no question. Absolutely, a red card is a red card, you can’t rule it out, that player should have been sent off.”
Lucky.
Moutinho was lucky not to get sent off, but maybe Dallas was even luckier not to be forced off with an injury.
It was a shocking challenge and could easily have broken the midfielder’s leg, is that what it takes for a straight red now?
That is a dangerous precedent to set in the Premier League, and Kevin Friend may have been wary after sending Jiminez off only minutes beforehand.
Thankfully, Dallas came away unscathed and likely just some bruising the day after, but that can’t be a challenge that becomes allowed.
In other Leeds United news, Andrea Radrizzani has broken his silence on Twitter sharing when he will leave the club