WATCH: Sheffield United player claims ‘HORROR’ tackle on Kaoru Mitoma by teammate WASN’T a red card!

Did Holgate's foul on Mitoma deserve a red card? Sheffield United defender Anel Ahmedhodžić certainly thinks it didn't!

WATCH: Sheffield United player claims ‘HORROR’ tackle on Kaoru Mitoma by teammate WASN’T a red card!

Mason Holgate was sent off for this foul on Kaoru Mitoma (Via The Sun)

Kaoru Mitoma was on the receiving end of what some labelled as the most reckless challenge ‘ever’. The Japanese International was ‘cleaned out’ by Sheffield United defender Mason Holgate in a feigned attempt to go for the ball. Many criticized the Englishman for his blatant foul and intent to ‘injure’ the Brighton star. Shockingly, while the internet was in consensus that Holgate deserved the red, a teammate of his surprisingly stood by his contrasting opinion.

Mason Holgate was sent off just 13 minutes in for his reckless challenge on Mitoma. Even though the referee initially only gave yellow, consultation with VAR meant that he was giving his marching orders, ‘killing’ the game for the home side. While many wondered how Mitoma managed to keep playing after such a tackle, Sheffield star Anel Ahmedhodzic said in a post-match interview that it was a ‘fair’ challenge.

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He defended his teammate, saying,

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…Then we got the red card. Killed our game. Killed our plan, killed everything we worked for. If you ask my opinion, that's not a red card. From what I've seen on the pitch, that's not a red. Maybe in the replay it's a bit harsh than what it is.

The player received a lot of criticism for his comments, as fans attacked him, as one said that his opinion was as good as his defense. Sheffield United lost the game 5 goals to none.

Mitoma bags MOTM despite horror tackle as Redknapp SLAMS Holgate for the foul

A horrible challenge early in the first half did not stop Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma from going on and earning the man-of-the-match against Sheffield. The Japanese International failed to get on the scoresheet but directed his team to a resounding 5-0 win away from home. His involvement in two of his team’s five games was enough to secure the award, even though some claimed that staying on the pitch after ‘that’ tackle was enough.

Mason Holgate
Mason Holgate’s reaction to the referee giving him a red card. (Via X/@Football__Tweet)

Reacting to Holgate’s challenge on the star, former footballer and pundit Jamie Redknapp tore into the defender. He said, 

It's one of the worst tackles I've seen in years.

Redknapp also named the challenge as scandalous and pointed out that had Mitoma not managed to get his other leg out of the way, it could’ve very well meant an end to his career.

Following the win, Roberto De Zerbi‘s side are now in seventh position, and 6 points behind 6th place Manchester United. Following the nature of his sending-off, Holgate will now miss three games for his side, effectively sitting out games against Wolves, Arsenal, and Bournemouth. Things have gone from bad to worse for the Blades as they remain bottom of the table. With just 13 points from 25 games, relegation stares them down come May.

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