By Nick Ware

12th Sep, 2021 | 7:21pm

Jamie Redknapp raises referee concerns after Pascal Struijk red card in Leeds United loss v Liverpool

Jamie Redknapp suggests the referee was swayed into giving Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk a red card against Liverpool after seeing the extent of Harvey Elliott’s injury.

Struijk, 22, was sent off by Craig Pawson in the 60th minute after the Liverpool teenager suffered a serious injury at Elland Road on Sunday.

Redknapp, speaking on Sky Sports after the incident, believes the Whites defender may have escaped big punishment if Elliott’s injury was less severe.

Redknapp said: “Now, I would ask the question with that tackle, if he hadn’t broken his leg or ankle, would he have sent him off? I don’t think he would.

“He might have booked him, but I don’t think he’d have sent him off.

“For a player, when you go on the field you’re always going to endanger an opponent every time you go sliding into a tackle.

“There was one about 15 minutes later, I think Sadio Mane was involved that was very similar. Sometimes you can get out the way of challenges, sometimes you can’t.”

Victim of hindsight?

Pawson didn’t appear to be reaching for a red card after the challenge was made on Elliott, but the severity of the situation was soon laid bare as Liverpool players watched on in horror as Elliott writhed around in agony.

After that, Pawson seemed to be in communication with the VAR and after another look a decision was reached to dismiss Struijk.

Therefore, it appears Redknapp may be right in his opinion.

The only way to eradicate doubt would be if Pawson communicates how his decision was reached.

That’s not commonplace in the Premier League, as referees are usually reticent to come out and explain their decisions, but we wait to hear more about what happened at Elland Road on Sunday and what the repercussions are for Struijk, or whether his red card will be rescinded.

In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay predicts big club decision after Whites incident on Sunday.