'I was amazed' - Ex-FIFA official re-analyses Hull City player's 'red card' controversy from international

Michael O'Neill's Northern Ireland side should have come up against 10 men during their 3-0 win over Ukraine.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that referee Jasper Vergoote missed a blatant sending-off on Friday, 2 October.

Isaac Price's effort was sandwiched by a brace from Oxford United defender Ciaron Brown, helping the team to a convincing away victory.

Emotions were clearly running high towards the end of the game, with Matviy Ponomarenko and Danylo Sikan both picking up late cautions.

And it was the latter's challenge that has done the rounds on social media, with many wondering how Sikan avoided a red card for a foul on Hull City's Paddy McNair.

VAR refused to get involved after the referee issued a red card, but it was just lucky that McNair avoided a serious injury at the City Arena.

Danylo Sikan had 'all the hallmarks' of a red card

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett admitted to being absolutely gobsmacked that Sikan was allowed to stay on the pitch.

"This is a challenge where it fulfils serious foul play. The player, at pace, has launched himself with two feet off the ground," he explained.

"He's out of control. There's no way he can stop or deviate, and he clatters into his opponent. I was amazed that the referee saw that as a yellow and reckless when, in fact, it had all the hallmarks [of a red].

"When you look again at everything, that's full serious foul play, so the player should have had a red card. We know and we've seen in games across this competition, almost a reluctance for VAR to come in.

"But this was a clear and obvious error by the referee. There's no subjectivity about it, and therefore, for me, I was just amazed this player didn't walk.

"He should have gone. There's no question. So, it's a wrong decision by the referee."

Northern Ireland fans erupt at 'absolute shocker'

The Northern Ireland, and Hull, supporters made their feelings known after the game, wanting the referee and VAR officials "binned" by UEFA.

While McNair has played a limited role for the Tigers so far this season, he is still a member of the squad, and was fortunate not to be sidelined.