Ex-FIFA official: Sekou Mara should face extended ban after ‘dangerous’ Southampton controversy
Keith Hackett has claimed Southampton striker Sekou Mara should have been red-carded for his “out of control” lunge on Blackpool goalkeeper Chris Maxwell during the Saints’ 2-1 FA Cup win on Saturday (28 January).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted the lack of contact should not have been a factor in the referee’s final decision.
With just over 10 minutes on the clock of Southampton’s FA Cup clash with Blackpool, Mara, 20, charged down a clearance from Blackpool goalkeeper Chris Maxwell with a two-footed lunge.
The Frenchman was booked for the challenge by referee Craig Pawson, despite protests from the Seasiders’ players and fans.
Mara went on to provide an assist for countryman Romain Perraud, whose second goal ensured progression into the FA Cup fifth round for Southampton.
The summer signing has scored just once in 19 appearances since joining the relegation-threatened Saints.
A red card would have seen the forward suspended for Tuesday’s (31 January) League Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle.
Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I’m clear – this is a red card.
“This is a player who has launched himself with two feet.
“I can remember Cristiano Ronaldo getting a red card for a similar challenge on a player he actually missed. But he was still red carded, still suspended, still fined.
“By the very nature of launching yourself, you are out of control. It was with two feet, and he should have gone.”
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