Ex-Fifa official can’t believe Christian Eriksen controversy after new Man United twist
Keith Hackett has insisted Reading striker Andy Carroll should have seen a straight red card for his “completely over the top” challenge on Man United star Christian Eriksen.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee suggested Royals boss Paul Ince should have a word with his experienced striker about his on-field conduct.
As seen in an image posted to Twitter (28 January), Carroll was not given a card despite launching into a two-footed tackle from behind on Man United star Eriksen.
The Denmark midfielder limped off but the Red Devils prevailed to advance to the fifth round with a 3-1 victory at Old Trafford.
Carroll was sent off later on in the match for a second bookable offence after committing two similarly rash fouls.
Man United have since revealed that Eriksen could be out of action until early May – a big blow to Erik ten Hag’s hopes of Champions League qualification.
Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I just don’t see the point of what Carroll was about in this game.
“The challenge on Eriksen was a red card, every day of the week.
“The outcome of seeing Eriksen on crutches after the game just emphasises what a bad challenge it was.
“In fairness, the other two tackles were two yellow cards. The referee has got those decisions spot on.
“But what Carroll was doing out there – that’s not football.
“If I was Paul Ince I would be having a conversation with him. You can be aggressive, but he was completely over the top.”
In other news, expert suggests Erik ten Hag in secret Man United talks to tackle “gruesome” problem.