‘I see both sides’ – Exclusive: Campbell weighs in on Everton’s Branthwaite controversy
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell can see both sides of the argument when it comes to the recent controversy over Everton loanee Jarrad Branthwaite.
Branthwaite unintentionally kicked Middlesbrough’s Dael Fry in the face during last weekend’s game between Boro and Blackburn, much to the anger of Neil Warnock.
Campbell can see why Warnock was so frustrated and admitted that Branthwaite got away with one as he wasn’t shown a red card.
Speaking to Goodison News, Campbell said, “He doesn’t see the striker but he does make contact with his face.
“It wasn’t intentional but it is dangerous play. Neil Warnock obviously made his feelings known as he often does.
“Is it a sending off? I suppose it is. If the ref had brandished a red card I don’t think Branthwaite could’ve moaned about it.
“There was always going to be fallout when there’s dangerous play and I see both sides of it. If you’re the person who’s been wronged you’re not going to be happy about it.”
The young Blues defender will have learned a lot from the experience and he could’ve easily seen red for his challenge.
There was no need for Warnock to hit the roof over a young player making an innocent mistake as he learns his trade.
Branthwaite, to his credit, seemed to give as good as he got and there will have been many Evertonians happy to see one of their young stars not crumble under the torrent of verbal abuse sent his way.
This is probably some unneeded attention for Branthwaite as he looks to develop as a young player in the Championship.
However, it will be interesting to see how he responds following last weekend’s flashpoint.
In other Everton news, Toffees could be plotting late January move for Christian Eriksen