Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Sheffield United star give surprising takes on Mason Holgate’s red card tackle

Not everyone was convinced that Mason Holgate’s red card against Brighton was the correct decision… 

The Sheffield United defender was sent off for a knee-high challenge on Kaoru Mitoma at Bramall Lane during their 5-0 defeat. 

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Holgate was shown a red card only 13 minutes into the gameCredit: Getty
Holgate’s reckless tackle saw talkSPORT’s Perry Groves call it ‘leg-breaking’ and many on social media name it one of the worst they have ever seen. 

However, surprisingly, Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi took a more sympathetic view.

The Italian admitted he felt ‘sorry’ for Sheffield United after the sending-off in the opening stages changed the game. 

“I’m sorry for the red card for Sheffield,” De Zerbi told talkSPORT. 

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“I think we deserved to win but maybe we could win 11 against 11. But I’m sorry because one team play one player less. 

“It can happen to us and in the past, it was like this.” 

The unexpected take led to questions about VAR and what his thoughts on the tackle were but De Zerbi continued to take pity on his opponents. 

“I’ve not seen the red card situation so I don’t know,” he continued. “What I do know is that it’s very difficult when coaches have to speak about the red cards. 

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Anel Ahmedhodzic did not believe this tackle was a red cardCredit: Getty
“When I coach the team during the week I always like to play 11 vs 11 but we can’t change the rules.

“I don’t know [about the tackle], I’ve not seen the foul yet. I believe in the referee. 

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“I’m sorry anyway because it wasn’t a real, real game. Because if you play 75-80 minutes with one player more, it’s not a real game.” 

Echoing De Zerbi’s thoughts was Sheffield United captain Anel Ahmedhodzic, although he outright said Holgate’s challenge wasn’t a red.

Ahmedhodzic, told Sky Sports: “It’s a horrible feeling. I think we started the game well and things were going according to the game plan.

“We created a few chances and then we got the red card and it kills the game and our plan. 

“If you asked my opinion, it’s not a red card and I don’t want to say more. 

“From what I saw on the pitch, I don’t think so. Maybe on the replay, it seems harsher than it is but on the pitch, I saw that was a fair tackle.”