Leeds United’s Pascal Struijk’s red card against Liverpool has not been overturned, to the surprise of former Premier League striker, now Sky Sports pundit, Kevin Campbell.
The Lowdown: Struijk ban appealed
The Leeds United centre-back was dismissed in Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at home to the Reds, following a tackle which dislocated Harvey Elliott’s ankle.
It was a horrible incident, but there was a feeling that the sending off was harsh given the unfortunate nature of the injury – Elliott himself has sent a message of support to Struijk – and the Whites subsequently appealed the decision.
However, Phil Hay has confirmed the FA have rejected the appeal, so the defender will miss the next three matches.
The Latest: ‘If I’m honest…’
Speaking to Football Insider just before news of the rejection broke, Campbell admitted the ‘damage’ may be why Struijk’s red card will stand, but ultimately decided the right call would have been to overturn it:
“The issue is not the tackling leg, it is the trailing leg. It is the trailing leg that usually does the damage.
“Yes, he didn’t mean to do it. We know that. But, the injury to Harvey Elliott is a serious one so I can understand why he got sent off.
“After the event, when you actually look at it, I can see it being rescinded. If I’m honest, I can see it being rescinded.
“Struijk did not go in to do any damage like that. He went in to win the ball and his trailing leg caught him.
“The damage was horrific. It’s for that reason I would understand a decision either way. I don’t like sitting on the fence normally.”
The Verdict: Should be ovcrturned
The fact that Elliott himself has come out and said it shouldn’t have been a red card suggests that justice should have prevailed with Struijk.
There is an argument to say that his lunge was endangering a fellow player, but he still won the ball and far more reckless challenges go unpunished – just look at James Tarkowski’s challenge on Richarlison on Monday night.
There was no intent to hurt Elliott on Struijk’s part and it is a surprise that his ban isn’t overturned, meaning he will now miss matches against Newcastle, Fulham in the cup and West Ham.
In other news, a pundit has big concerns about one Leeds United player. Read more here.
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