Sabitzer Should Have Been Red Carded Against Leicester – Souness Cries Foul

Stuart Attwell, the referee in the Premier League match between Manchester United and Leicester City on Sunday, has been heavily criticized for failing to give Marcel Sabitzer a red card for a reckless tackle. The match ended 3-0 in favour of Manchester United.

Former Liverpool player, Graeme Souness, spoke out against the decision, stating that Sabitzer’s tackle on Leicester City defender Wout Faes was a clear red card offence. In an interview with Sky Sports, Souness said, “100 percent, I think this is a red card for several reasons.”

Souness went on to explain that Sabitzer had turned side-on to Faes, which was a classic case of how to execute a dangerous tackle. He also pointed out that the midfielder was looking at the player instead of the ball. Souness stated, “If that is not dangerous play, I don’t care what some referee who has never played the game has to say on that.”

The tackle in question occurred during the first half of the match, and it attracted a lot of attention. Sabitzer’s actions went unpunished, and Manchester United went on to secure a comfortable victory with a brace from Marcus Rashford and a goal from Jadon Sancho.

This decision has brought the focus back on the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in Premier League matches. The VAR system was introduced to minimize errors made by on-field referees, but many have criticized it for being inconsistent and failing to identify clear red card offences.

The controversy around Attwell’s decision has also reignited the debate on the need for former professional footballers to be involved in the refereeing process. Critics argue that ex-footballers have a better understanding of the game’s nuances and can make more informed decisions.

Graeme Souness’ full quote regarding the incident:

“100 percent, I think this is a red card for several reasons. For a start, he is partly to blame because he’s on his heels, Faes, when this ball breaks to him, not being alive to it, but that, Sabitzer has turned side-on to him, and that is a classic case of if you are going to go and do someone, that is how you do it. You turn side-on.

“If he makes contact with the ball, what is he going to do with the ball? He is looking at the player.

“I don’t care what some referee who has never played the game has to say on that, that is a sending-off. If that is not dangerous play.”