Did Holgate’s tackle on Mitoma warrant a red card? Anel Ahmedhodžić, a defender for Sheffield United, strongly disagrees!
Mason Holgate was shown a red card for his challenge on Kaoru Mitoma (Via The Sun)
Mitoma was the victim of what some deemed the most dangerous tackle ‘ever’. The Japanese International was taken out by Sheffield United’s defender in an apparent attempt to go for the ball. Many criticized the Englishman for his obvious foul and intention to harm the Brighton star. Surprisingly, while the general consensus on the internet was that Holgate deserved the red card, one of his teammates unexpectedly supported a different opinion.
Mason Holgate was sent off just 13 minutes into the game due to his dangerous challenge on Mitoma. Although the referee initially only showed a yellow card, after consulting with VAR, he changed his decision and sent Holgate off, effectively ruining Sheffield United’s chances in the match. While many questioned how Mitoma was able to continue playing after such a tackle, Sheffield’s player stated in a post-match interview that it was a ‘fair’ challenge.
He defended his teammate, saying,
The player faced a lot of criticism for his remarks, with fans attacking him and claiming that his opinion was as weak as his defense. Sheffield United lost the match by a staggering 5-0 scoreline.
Despite a horrific challenge early in the first half, Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma managed to lead his team to a resounding 5-0 victory against Sheffield. The Japanese International didn’t score any goals but played a crucial role in two of his team’s five goals, earning him the man-of-the-match award. Some argued that staying on the pitch after ‘that’ tackle was already an achievement in itself.
In response to Holgate’s challenge on Mitoma, former footballer and pundit strongly criticized the defender. He stated,
Redknapp also described the tackle as scandalous and pointed out that if Mitoma hadn’t managed to move his other leg out of the way, it could have potentially ended his career.
🎙 Jamie Redknapp on Holgate’s red card”It’s an assault. It’s one of the worst tackles I’ve seen in years. Even in my era that would have been a scandalous tackle. How on earth Mitoma’s managed to get his left leg out of the way, I’ve got no idea. Thank goodness he has,… pic.twitter.com/5lVS8cJn9N
Following the victory, Brighton’s team is now in seventh place, trailing sixth-placed Manchester United by 6 points. Due to the nature of his red card, Holgate will be suspended for three matches, meaning he will miss games against Wolves, Arsenal, and Bournemouth. Things are going from bad to worse for Sheffield United as they remain at the bottom of the table. With only 13 points from 25 games, they are facing the looming threat of relegation in May.
According to the Source firstsportz.com