Christian Norgaard’s red card for Brentford in their 0-0 draw against Everton on Saturday has been branded “ridiculous” by Adrian Clarke.
The Brentford captain was dismissed in the 41st minute at Goodison Park after a VAR review of his challenge on Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Referee Chris Kavanagh upgraded the decision to a straight red card after consulting the pitch-side monitor, judging Norgaard’s attempt to reach a cross as dangerous.
Speaking on The Athletic’s Totally Football Show [24 November], Clarke criticised the decision, arguing that Norgaard’s intentions did not warrant such a harsh punishment.
“For me, Norgaard was sent off for trying to get on the end of a cross,” Clarke said.
“I thought that was a quite frankly ridiculous decision.”
The Denmark international caught Pickford with his studs below the knee, prompting strong debate about whether the punishment fit the incident.
While some viewed the midfielder’s actions as reckless, others suggested he was simply attempting to play the ball.
Those defending Norgaard’s case argue that the lack of injury to Pickford should have mitigated the punishment.
However, referees are instructed to prioritise the potential danger of challenges, rather than the outcome, in making their decisions.
While Clarke remains critical of the call, others believe the officials made the correct decision.
VAR’s implementation has drawn criticism for inconsistency, but some analysts argue that this particular intervention adhered to the laws of the game.
Despite their numerical advantage, Everton struggled to capitalise, with Brentford looking the more dangerous side in the second half.
Frustration among the Goodison Park crowd was palpable, with Thomas Frank’s side earning a creditable point despite their captain’s dismissal.
For Everton, Sean Dyche appears to retain the support of the board, with Farhad Moshiri reportedly backing the manager to turn things around [Sky Sports, 25 November].
