Pundit can’t believe Idrissa Gueye controversy as new footage analysed at Everton
Noel Whelan has claimed a yellow card was the right punishment for Fulham star Aleksandar Mitrovic after his “clumsy” challenge on Everton ace Idrissa Gueye.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the incident “looks a lot worse in slow motion”.
As seen in footage on BBC’s Match of the Day (29 October), Mitrovic, 28, caught Gueye, 33, late by stepping on the top of the midfielder’s ankle after the ball had gone.
The Serbia international was given a yellow card by referee John Brooks for the challenge and VAR official Darren England recommended no review of the incident.
The two sides went on to play out a 0-0 draw at Craven Cottage on Saturday (29 October).
Speaking post-match to Sky Sports, Everton boss Frank Lampard insisted Mitrovic should have seen red – a decision which would have “changed the game” for his team.
However, Whelan claimed the challenge lacked the “intent and force” which would have warranted a dismissal.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I’m on the strikers’ union here.
“It’s one of those that looks a bit clumsy. We know that strikers aren’t renowned for tackling and doing the dirty work in those areas.
“It looks a lot worse in slow motion.
“There was no harm or intent there, it’s just clumsy. I think the referee and VAR got it right.
“You’ve got to give players the benefit of the doubt unless he’s really gone in with intent and force to the detriment of the other player.
“Some VAR would have given that as a red card, but I think they got it right this time.”
In other news, pundit claims Everton may have identified Anthony Gordon replacement after source’s transfer reveal.