Gabriel Gudmundsson's late challenge on Andrey Santos during Sunday's 1-1 draw between Leeds and Manchester United sparked debate among fans and pundits, with many believing the left-back should have been sent off.
Before Bryan Mbeumo broke the deadlock at Elland Road, Gudmundsson was booked by referee Darren England after his studs caught the heel of Santos. Leeds responded after the break through Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with Gudmundsson playing the full 90 minutes.
Pundits Call for Red Card
Match of the Day pundit Shay Given felt the Swedish international could have been dismissed, drawing a comparison to a challenge on Robinio Vaz that saw Fulham defender Ryan Sessegnon sent off in the Cottagers' 1-0 win over Hull on Saturday.
Speaking on Match of the Day, Given said: "I think we all agree it is a poor challenge from Sessegnon. I think he is trying to trip him, but he gets it wrong and he goes down the back of the Achilles, so it's a red card.
"Gudmundsson on Santos, I think this is even worse, if I'm being honest. And this is the early part of the first half as well. He's got time to stop and watch for the ball as well. He's nowhere near the ball, and for me it's a dangerous tackle."
Former Official Weighs In
Fellow pundit Dion Dublin agreed, saying: "I don't think either of these, I still don't think that he's (Gudmundsson) done that on purpose. I think he's got it wrong, I think he's trying to put his foot down. And I think him and Sessegnon have both got it wrong.
"It looks horrible, both down the Achilles, and they both should have been reds."
Former Premier League match official Darren Cann suggested the challenge could have warranted a red, but noted a mitigating factor that may have saved Gudmundsson.
Cann told BBC Sport: "Gabriel Gudmundsson made a very risky challenge on Andrey Santos. His tackle had similarities with Ryan Sessegnon's red card for Fulham on Saturday, with both players making contact with their studs on the back of the calf/Achilles of their opponents.
"Gudmundsson could also have easily seen red instead of the yellow card he received. I think what saved him was that there was a little less intensity in his challenge, however he could've had no complaints had a red card been shown."
