Ex-Fifa official can't believe Christian Eriksen controversy after new Man United twist
Keith Hackett has insisted Reading striker Andy Carroll should have seen a straight red card for his "completely over the top" challenge on Man United star Christian Eriksen.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee suggested Royals boss Paul Ince should have a word with his experienced striker about his on-field conduct.
As seen in an image posted to Twitter (28 January), Carroll was not given a card despite launching into a two-footed tackle from behind on Man United star Eriksen.
The Denmark midfielder limped off but the Red Devils prevailed to advance to the fifth round with a 3-1 victory at Old Trafford.
Carroll was sent off later on in the match for a second bookable offence after committing two similarly rash fouls.
Man United have since revealed that Eriksen could be out of action until early May - a big blow to Erik ten Hag's hopes of Champions League qualification.
Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I just don’t see the point of what Carroll was about in this game.
“The challenge on Eriksen was a red card, every day of the week.
“The outcome of seeing Eriksen on crutches after the game just emphasises what a bad challenge it was.
“In fairness, the other two tackles were two yellow cards. The referee has got those decisions spot on.
“But what Carroll was doing out there – that’s not football.
“If I was Paul Ince I would be having a conversation with him. You can be aggressive, but he was completely over the top.”