Ex-Premier League referee issues 'reckless' Archie Gray claim as Leeds United controversy analysed
Archie Gray's challenge on Emiliano Buendia as Leeds United lost 1-0 to Aston Villa in pre-season on Sunday (17 July) was "reckless", according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted a yellow card was the right decision and no further punishment was needed.
The 16-year-old was cautioned for a foul on Buendia shortly after being introduced from the substitute bench.
Moments later he was forced off on a stretcher following a challenge from John McGinn that also resulted in a yellow card.
As quoted by talkSPORT, Villa boss Steven Gerrard claimed he had his "heart in his mouth" following Gray's challenge on Buendia.
Meanwhile, Jesse Marsch was hopeful that the teenager's injury was not too bad and just an "ankle sprain".
"I think the referee has got this absolutely spot on," Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
"This comes under the term of reckless. He’s gone on with a slide, he’s not high and therefore, for me, the referee’s judgement is spot on and I support that. This is not a red card case.
"There is some youthful exuberance in there but there’s no malice and there has to be malice and it also has to endanger the safety of an opponent.
"For me, that challenge was dealt with in a great manner.
"The referee was well positioned."
Gray is yet to play a competitive fixture but is highly regarded within the club and was named on the bench for a Premier League game when he was just 15.
He comes from an illustrious footballing family and is the great nephew of Whites great Eddie Gray.