Tottenham defender Joe Rodon was shown a straight red card on Sunday afternoon and has been criticised by French media outlet Maxi Foot following his display, despite lasting 89 minutes of Rennes’ 3-0 win over Nantes in Ligue 1.
Rodon, 24, has endured an up-and-down spell during his time at Rennes. Some questionable performances, but also some decent ones. He has also scored his first-ever professional goal, with Rennes only losing twice in his 12 outings.
The Wales international started his tenth consecutive match on Sunday, as Rennes hosted Nantes. Cruising at 3-0, Mostafa Mohamed was through on goal for Nantes. Rodon dived in as a last man, and brought him down, earning red.
Perhaps a tackle he did not need to make with Rennes leading so comfortably, but desperate to keep a clean sheet intact. Something he did, but he will now be missing next Sunday’s clash against Lyon. Rodon will play before then.
Indeed, Rennes are back in Europa League action on Thursday and he will surely be in the side that hosts Dynamo Kiev. But French outlet Maxi Foot were unimpressed. They said he was “quiet” throughout, before his sending off.
Handing him a 4/10 rating, they reported: “Despite his difficulties in recovery, the Welsh international had a rather quiet game. At least until this 89th minute, when his badly negotiated duel against Mohamed saw him sent off.”
Tottenham defender Rodon criticised by French media for Sunday display
It seems a tad harsh. Rodon had a decent game. WhoScored report he won three aerial duels, made three clearances and completed 31 of 40 passes. Unfortunately, he mistimes the tackle and it ultimately is a red card, albeit a soft one.
He is certainly not deserving of a red and if anything, he saved his side from ruining their incoming clean sheet. The blow for Rennes and Rodon, is that he will be out of their next outing against Lyon. A big game for both sides.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
