EPL: ‘You can’t do that’ – Smith, Lee Hendrie slam Awoniyi over red card in Coventry 5-0 defeat
Former England players Lee Hendrie and Sue Smith have criticized Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi following his red card during Coventry City’s 5-0 defeat to Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday.
Both pundits concurred that Awoniyi’s actions warranted the dismissal. The Nigerian forward was sent off in the 53rd minute after referee Tony Harrington ruled that he had used his elbow in an aerial challenge.
The red card left Coventry with just ten players as they trailed by two goals, further complicating their efforts to contain Brighton’s offensive pressure.
Hendrie, a former Aston Villa midfielder, focused on Awoniyi’s technique during the incident. Speaking on Sky Sports, he stated that the forward’s approach to the challenge was inappropriate.
“He has leaned into it. You cannot do that. It is evident that there is an elbow involved and that there is force,” Hendrie said.
Smith, a former Leeds and England forward, echoed the referee’s decision during a discussion on BBC Radio 5 Live. She emphasized that Awoniyi’s movement toward the Brighton player’s face was critical to the decision.
“That is a red card. He is not even looking at the ball. He moves his arm towards the face,” Smith noted. “You cannot lead with your elbow like that; if you do and make contact with someone, the referee will certainly send you off.”
