Everton: BBC pundit blasts Mason Holgate after ‘really bad’ Sheffield United incident
Paul Robinson has slammed Sheffield United defender Mason Holgate after the Everton loanee was sent off for a “really bad” challenge during the 5-0 defeat to Brighton at Bramall Lane.
The challenge, bizarrely, only landed Holgate a yellow card initially, before VAR stepped in, with replays showing not only was the challenge late, but it was at knee height and endangering his opponent.
It was a reckless and stupid challenge after just 12 minutes had passed in the game, spoiling any chance at success his side may have had at a crucial stage of the season.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live [14:27], Robinson shared: “As you see it there in slow motion and in the replay, it’s a really bad tackle. A penny for Chris Wilder’s thoughts stood down there now. What must he be thinking?”
Before later saying: “Chris Wilder has Mason Holgate to thank for his stupid challenge to get himself sent off after 12 minutes.”
Will Mason Holgate return to Everton after his loan spell?
As things stand, Holgate’s long-term future at Goodison Park is unclear. A failed spell at Southampton led to his eventual move to Bramall Lane, but after this latest incident, he may soon fall out of favour there too.
A tackle like this one is disgraceful at the best of times, but when Sheffield United are fighting for their lives at the bottom of the table, to do this after just 12 minutes is a ridiculous moment from the defender.
Should he return to Goodison Park, Sean Dyche would not stand for this sort of thing, and Holgate could then lose his place at his parent club, as well as both of the clubs he has spent time at this season.
Mistakes like this one are unacceptable at this end of the pitch and ultimately cost Wilder’s side the game when they may have looked at this as one they could make the most of in their relegation fight.
A return to Everton is still on the cards, but it would not come as a shock to see Dyche attempt to move him on permanently in the summer.
In other Everton news, the Luton boss has given a new relegation verdict.
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