Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has branded Lucas Digne’s red card in Everton’s defeat to Southampton on Sunday as “inevitable”, while speaking to Sky Sports.
The league leaders went to St Mary’s high on confidence after an unbeaten start to the season. Many expected the Toffees to continue their streak against the Saints but Ralph Hasenhuttl had other ideas.
Goals from James Ward-Prowse and Che Adams in the first half secured the win for Southampton, but an incident in the second half became the biggest talking point of the game.
Digne tried to stop Kyle Walker-Peters but failed in his initial attempts. The Frenchman chased the former Tottenham man and stepped on the right-back’s heel. Referee Kevin Friend sent him off, a decision some fans deemed harsh.
Gallagher: Digne deserved a red card
However, Gallagher believes the decision to show Digne the red card was the right one.
He told Sky Sports: “I think you’ve got to give a red card for that. I’ve spoken to a lot of people who think otherwise but when you put your studs down somebody’s Achilles you are always going to be sent off for serious foul play.
“I fully accept he didn’t mean to do it and he didn’t mean to be malicious. But there are a lot of tackles players make that are not meant to be, that are mistimed and clumsy and they get sent off. I just think it’s inevitable he’s going to be sent off for that.”
Following the match, Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti labelled the red card “a joke” and claimed the club would appeal the decision (Guardian). Toffees supporters were hopeful Digne’s ban would be overturned.
However, the FA is likely view the situation the same way as Gallagher, which means Digne’s three-match ban will stand. That’s a massive blow for Everton as Richarlison is already serving his own ban.
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