Everton: Jamie Redknapp hits out at Mason Holgate scandal live on Sky Sports
Jamie Redknapp slammed Everton loanee Mason Holgate for his “scandalous tackle” that saw him sent off for Sheffield United against Brighton on Sunday.
The defender was initially shown a yellow card for a wild lunge on Kaoru Matoma at Bramall Lane by referee Stuart Attwell but it was quickly upgraded to left after a VAR check.
Speaking on Sky Sports Football (18 February) as a pundit, Redknapp did not hold back on his thoughts on the challenge.
“It’s an assault, it’s one of the worst tackles I’ve seen in years. Even in my era, that would’ve been a scandalous tackle,” he said.
“How on earth Mitoma’s managed to get his leg out of the way, I’ve no idea but thank goodness he has or that’s career-ending.
“I feel so sorry for Chris Wilder when you have a player who does that. I’ve got no idea what he’s thinking, he’s cost his team.”
Everton loanee Mason Holgate slammed for ugly red card in Sheffield United v Brighton
Listen, we all enjoy a full-blooded challenge, especially in the Premier League. English football is meant to be about passion, is meant to be about leaving everything on the pitch, and we don’t want to lose the contact aspect of football.
But there has to be a line and man alive did Holgate cross that line. It was a moment of utter stupidity that really could have caused some serious damage to Mitoma, who was extremely lucky to escape a serious injury.
Everton supporters might have been baffled as to why any player was allowed to join a relegation rival on loan during the January transfer window but after witnessing this moment they would not have been unhappy at all to see him not playing in an Everton shirt.
Much was expected of Holgate when he first made the step up at Goodison Park but a failed stint at Southampton earlier this season preceded his move to the Blades and things just do not seem to be getting much easier for him.
In other Everton news, a former club employee thinks Dele Alli’s contract could be terminated.
For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.