Advertisement

Premier League make major Chris Kavanagh decision after Man Utd vs Tottenham red card controversy

Bruno Fernandes protests after his red card.
-Credit: (Image: Danehouse/Getty Images)


Chris Kavanagh will remain in the spotlight this week after his contentious move to send off Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes during the clash with Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend. A critical moment unfolded right before half-time when Fernandes was dismissed for what Kavanagh adjudged as serious foul play on Spurs' James Maddison.

Fernandes firmly contested the red card after the game, asserting even England midfielder Maddison agreed the dismissal was unwarranted.

In a twist adding further fuel to the debate, former top-flight whistle-blower Dermot Gallagher weighed in, suggesting an "optical illusion" led to the mishap and that a caution would have been more appropriate.

Kavanagh will take up duties at Stockley Park's VAR hub for Everton's upcoming fixture against Newcastle United at Goodison Park (5.30pm kick-off on Saturday), before returning to pitchside action for the Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest match on Sunday.

Gallagher defended the tackle which earned a Manchester United player a red card, saying the assistant referee's angle was deceptive. Gallagher argued that the official was misled into thinking the challenge was worse than it was due to his vantage point, and that a more thorough review would have resulted in a different decision.

Gallagher said, "You hear people say the referee was quick to get the red card out. The referee was led and, in my view, the referee was led incorrectly because of that angle we saw. If you pull all your resources together, I think you come to a far different decision."

READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou has discovered dream Tottenham partnership but may have to change it already

READ MORE: Telling Tottenham moment amid celebrations and why Ange Postecoglou raged at Lucas Bergvall twice

"I think the angle from the assistant, that will deceive him," Gallagher continued. "From that angle, he will say that his foot looked high, but he can't see his point of contact. He can't see the intensity or the momentum he's gained in that - I don't think he has because he's come from such a short distance and that's why it's not a red card."

"I can understand the referee not seeing it, but the assistant seeing it conveys that message, but it's got lost."