Brighton star ‘should be getting extended ban’ for ‘grabbing Garnacho’s throat’
Brighton winger Solly March should have been shown a red card against Man United and be facing an extended ban, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the referee made the wrong decision after March grabbed Alejandro Garnacho by the throat in the Seagull’s 3-1 win over United.
The 30-year-old winger was featuring in only his second Premier League game of the season, having spent a lengthy spell on the side-lines due to injury.
Brighton beat Man United thanks to goals from Yankuba Minteh, Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter.
Brighton winger Solly March lucky not to have been shown a red
March came onto the pitch in the 62nd minute with Brighton leading 2-1 and struggled to get involved in the match.
However, after Brighton had clinched the game after scoring a third, and were seeing out the match, March made a rash decision.
He grabbed at Garnacho’s throat, then shoved Lenny Yoro after the young French defender reacted to the infraction. The winger was given a yellow card by referee Peter Bankes.
Hackett believes that by not showing March a red card, Bankes had sent the “wrong message.”
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former PGMOL chief said: “This grabbing of the throat should have resulted in a red card.
“Outfield Players play with their feet (except throw-ins). Only the goalkeeper uses his hands.
“Unacceptable behaviour is being tolerated and sending the wrong message.”
March was not the only Brighton player who Hackett believes was fortunate to not see red, as Minteh also could have been sent off.
Carlos Baleba, who gave away the penalty that Bruno Fernandes scored from, sent a message to Brighton fans after the game.
In other news, a Brighton star may be set to join Everton in the January transfer window.
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