Stuart Attwell thought long and hard before sending off Jack Stephens against Manchester United during today’s Premier League game at St. Marys’.
Although the Saints were losing 2-0 afterwards first half goals from Matthijs De Ligt and Marcus Rashfordthe defender had made a worthy individual performance.
Making several key interceptions and tackles, the 30-year-old center was responsible for keeping the scoreline respectable.
Joe Cole says the Man United bench played a role in Jack Stephens’ sending off
However, in a moment of pure frustration late in the game, the Torpoint defender was spotted. throwing a tackle to Alejandro Garnacho.
And speaking of the incident, which saw the home side play the final 11 minutes with 10 men, pundit Joe Cole, who had a great view of both benches while sitting in the stands, said: “The referee has seen it, and I thought he actually showed a lot of restraint in not giving it (the red card) straight away.
“He has given himself time to think, but for me it is an easy red straight. It comes from frustration, but you can’t cope like that. And you certainly can’t be that tall in front of the opposition bench.
“It’s proven that statistically this area is where the most red cards are given on the pitch.”
Erik Ten Hag and his coaching staff won’t mind suggestions that his reactions helped facilitate Attwell’s decision.
The Dutchman arrived at today’s game under enormous pressure and he desperately needed a strong performance, and more importantly, the three points, to help quell calls for him to become the first Premier League manager to be sacked this season.
