Roy Keane Backs Awoniyi After Harsh Red Card in Coventry’s Heavy Defeat

Photo Credit: PUNCH NG / Sky Sports
Roy Keane Backs Awoniyi After Harsh Red Card in Coventry’s Heavy Defeat

Manchester United legend Roy Keane has defended Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi after his controversial sending-off in Coventry City’s 5-0 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

Awoniyi was shown a straight red card in the second half by referee Tony Harrington for violent conduct, following an aerial duel with Brighton’s Maxim De Cuyper where his arm caught the defender’s face. The decision was upheld after a VAR check.

The dismissal left Coventry down to 10 men as Brighton sealed an emphatic win — a result that leaves Frank Lampard’s side bottom of the Premier League table without a point or a goal after four games.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Keane admitted the decision was harsh, though he noted Awoniyi had given the referee a decision to make.
“I think the red card is a tough one. Awoniyi has raised his elbow as he is waiting for the Brighton player coming in, but was it a real swing? I do not know. I think it is harsh, but you have to ask Awoniyi, did you give the referee an opportunity to send you off today? The answer is yes,” Keane said.
The incident comes amid a weekend of heavy scrutiny over Premier League refereeing.

Newcastle United icon Alan Shearer also defended the Nigerian international, questioning the interpretation of violent conduct.
“I have watched it a few times, and I am still trying to understand what Awoniyi is supposed to have done differently. Two players are competing for the ball. He jumps, his arm comes up naturally and catches De Cuyper. There is contact. Nobody is denying that. But contact with somebody’s face cannot automatically mean violent conduct,” Shearer argued.
Shearer also pointed out that the referee did not instantly produce a red card, making the eventual decision after review even more puzzling.

Awoniyi now faces a three-match ban, which will rule him out of Coventry’s Carabao Cup tie against Aston Villa and Premier League fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.
Source: punchng.com