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Gary Lineker shares verdict on Pascal Struijk red card in Leeds United loss v Liverpool
Gary Lineker believes Harvey Elliott’s injury during Liverpool’s clash with Leeds United was just a “freak accident” after Pascal Struijk was dismissed.
Struijk, 22, was red-carded for his role in the England teenager’s horror injury.
The nature of the incident meant the challenge was not replayed on TV, with Elliott subsequently stretchered off the pitch in distress and replaced by Jordan Henderson.
BBC presenter Lineker, writing via his personal Twitter profile, aired his views on whether Struijk’s red card was justified.
“Hope this is not as serious an injury to Harvey Elliott as it appears,” Lineker said.
“Didn’t look a bad challenge or a red card in normal speed, but without replays it’s hard to be sure.
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“Just a freak accident, I reckon.”
Harsh?
It’s hard to say whether Struijk has been wronged or not unless you have been unable to see a replay of the incident.
On first viewing, it looked rather innocuous, and certainly not dangerous from the Whites centre-back.
However, Elliott was obviously extremely hurt by the challenge as the reaction of all players was evident to see.
Mohamed Salah immediately signalled to the bench while the faces of the Liverpool substitutes painted a clear picture.
Gary Neville also expressed fears for Elliott during live commentary for Sky Sports, but he also said that he did not think Struijk deserved a red card after seeing more replays.
People will have to make their own minds up if and when they see a replay, but the early calls suggest Struijk was rather unfortunate.
Either way, we can only hope Elliott makes a full recovery as quickly as possible.
Kudos to the whole of Elland Road for showing some class by clapping him off the pitch.
In other Leeds United news, Paul Robinson suggests a new role for this Whites player after a recent development.