Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has backed the decision to send off Rodrigo Bentancur for violent conduct during Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, though he suggested the incident could have been avoided.
Bentancur was dismissed in the 78th minute at Old Trafford after appearing to make contact with his head against United defender Luke Shaw. The red card came after the Spurs midfielder had launched into a challenge on Shaw, prompting the defender to respond by shoving Bentancur.
Red card verdict
Speaking on Sky Sports Ref Watch, Gallagher said: "I think it's a red card. I haven't spoken to many people who think it isn't. I just wonder if it could have been avoided."
He added: "That tackle (Bentancur sliding on Shaw) has got to be punished. If you give a free-kick for that, it all goes away. What follows, though, I think it's a red card."
United were leading 1-0 at the time through a Bryan Mbeumo strike, but Michael Carrick's side could not hold on as Dominic Solanke scored a late equaliser to secure a point for Spurs.
Players' safety concerns
Jay Bothroyd supported the dismissal but noted both players were fortunate to avoid injury given their proximity to the advertising boards. Bothroyd said: "If Bentancur was closer to the sideline, he could have hurt himself, which would be dangerous play."
He continued: "That first Bentancur challenge should definitely be a booking. He's left the floor; he's out of control. It's an aggressive challenge. But by the letter of the law, as soon as you put your head in someone's face, you're gonna get a red card. But I would say Shaw's push is more dangerous than Bentancur's. If he's close enough to the touchline, he's flying into them boards. If any of those two challenges catch Shaw, he's coming off the pitch injured."
Former Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood also expressed sympathy for Shaw's frustration. "Two tackles Shaw gets," Sherwood said on Sky Sports News. "Van Hecke comes in, gets away with that one, he jumps in. Then Bentancur comes in, I understand why Shaw got heated."
Sherwood added: "I've got to say, has he got to wear shin pads? That might stop him getting injured. Is that not a yellow if you don't wear shin pads. He's got a couple of credit cards in his socks. If Shaw gets his toe to the ball there, he gets his leg broken."
