Glenn Hoddle changed his mind in real time as Freddie Potts was shown a straight red card during West Ham United’s tense FA Cup fourth-round victory over Burton Albion.
He was not the only one.
Referee Lewis Smith initially pulled out the yellow card after Freddie Potts, who was on as a substitute, flew in and took out Julian Larsson in the first half of extra time at the Pirelli Stadium.
Summerville peerless at the Pirelli!
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Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were extremely ‘poor’ throughout most of normal time in Staffordshire. In fact, it took West Ham United until 95 minutes to break Burton’s resistance. Nuno needed a bit of magic, so of course he turned to his wing wizard Crysencio Summerville.
One Hammers sub, it is fair to say, made a much more positive impression than another.
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Glenn Hoddle was initially confused about Freddie Potts’ red in Wes Ham United win
In his co-commentary role for TNT Sports, former England, Tottenham and Chelsea manager Hoddle was initially confused about the decision to send Potts off for an early bath only six minutes after Summerville’s fine solo effort.
“I must say, in free play, it didn’t look good,” Hoddle said. “I’m not sure how a referee can go over thinking it’s a yellow. How he turns that into a red, I’m not so sure.”
“He’s seen the tackle, and he thought it was a yellow, so it’s a little bit baffling.”
Hoddle’s mind changed, though, once he had the benefit of a replay at hand.
“It’s a very, very rash tackle,” he would counter, pulling a full 180 and eventually siding with the official. “I think he makes a genuine attempt to play the ball. I don’t think there’s anything malicious, but he mistimed it completely.
“So, you can understand the ref turning it into a red, possibly.”
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Hoddle and Rob Green admit Burton sending off was the right call
Perhaps Smith had a word in his ear from the linesman. Or, maybe, he simply gave himself more time to think.
“[Potts] comes in on the blindside,” Hoddle added. “It’s a tough tackle and I think the referee is right on top of it. He gets the yellow out, puts it back in his pocket, gives himself a little bit of time, reflects on it, and you can probably see why he’s turned it into a red.
“It was a rash tackle. You go in like that, you’ve got to actually play the ball.”
“It was a nasty challenge,” former West Ham goalkeeper Rob Green told BBC Sport. “Potts immediately got up and reacted by apologising and checking the opponent was ok. Larsen crumpled to the floor under the weight of it. It looked like a two footed scissor challenge.
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