‘Hayden Hackney has lashed out vs Blackburn Rovers, that’s a red card’
Premier League-linked Hayden Hackney was fortunate to remain on the field as Middlesbrough drew 0-0 with Blackburn Rovers on Friday.
Tottenham were one of the teams keeping tabs on Hackney during the summer before he eventually decided to remain at the Riverside Stadium, but could now win promotion to the Premier League.
In addition to those in the top tier, Hackney came close to Ipswich Town, who had just been relegated to the Championship, but he remains one of the most important players for Boro.
That previous interest is unlikely to have disappeared, with the 23-year-old notching three goals and five assists in 23 games so far this season, but some will be concerned by his actions on 26 December.
Hayden Hackney lashes out at Taylor Gardner-Hickman
In the final 10 minutes, Hackney appeared to tangle with Taylor Gardner-Hickman, but more than that, the midfielder lashed out at his opponent, which appears to have been missed by the referee.
Speaking live on BBC Radio Lancashire Sport (26 December, 4:41pm), Gary Hunt said: “Hayden Hackney could go for this; he’s lashed out there. I think he’s a lucky lad to just get the yellow.
“He’s kicked out in frustration. That’s a red, and the referee was five to 10 yards away.”
Throughout his entire career with Boro, Hackney has only picked up one red card, via two bookable offences, and he would not have wanted that mark on his record under such circumstances.
Premier League clubs to keep a closer eye on Middlesbrough star
Hackney is clearly not a very vicious player, but emotions definitely got the better of him against Blackburn, with Boro dropping another two points in the Championship title race.
Coventry City overcame Swansea City in a narrow 1-0 win, extending their lead to eight points, and that will only add to the frustration at the Riverside, especially for their star midfielder.
The 23-year-old saw a couple of his efforts blocked on the day, but with five fouls committed, Hackney also put in the dirty work for his side, earning a yellow card because of it.
Manager Kim Hellberg should have words with his player after the incident because, with much of the stadium seeing it, it was a miracle that he was not given his marching orders for the final 10 minutes.