Ex-refs chief reveals his true feelings about Jay Dasilva’s red card for Coventry vs Southampton
Coventry defender Jay Dasilva rightly saw red for a bad tackle on Southampton’s Welington as the two sides met at St Mary’s on Saturday afternoon.
That is according to former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett, who has exclusively told Football Insider that referee Adam Herczeg made the correct decision as the Sky Blues star’s challenge met the requirements for a sending off.
Coventry have totally dominated the Championship this season under Frank Lampard, and they headed to the south coast on Saturday aiming to extend their lead at the top of the table.
The first half saw the Sky Blues on top throughout, and Ephron Mason-Clark headed them into the lead just before the interval.
Southampton centre-back Nathan Wood levelled the scoreline in the 56th minute as the Saints pressed for the win, but it did end 1-1 with Coventry having to play nearly the whole second half with 10 men.
Dasilva was sent off for a rash tackle on Welington just after the break
The second half had only just kicked off when Dasilva rushed into a challenge on Welington as he lunged to intercept Flynn Downes’ loose pass.
Match referee Herczeg immediately brandished the red, with replays showing that the Coventry defender did catch his opponent with his studs up.
A straight red card for such a challenge typically results in a three-match ban, meaning the Wales international is set to miss Coventry’s upcoming games against Swansea City, Ipswich Town and Charlton Athletic.
Hackett backs ‘spot on’ referee after nasty Dasilva tackle
A mass brawl erupted at the end of the game following an ill-tempered affair between two teams that want to be in the Premier League next season at all costs.
Coventry were fined for their players clashing with Hull City in August, and that could be the case once more after this confrontation, to add to their Dasilva woes.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the decision to send Dasilva off against Southampton, Hackett said: “Spot on (from) the referee. This tackle fulfils serious foul play, and a red card is the correct decision.“