Evan Ferguson has been in scintillating form over the last month or so. The young Irishman has established himself as a key contributor at Brighton, scoring three goals and registering two assists in his last four Premier League appearances.
He has everything you'd want to see in a modern striker. The 18-year old possesses an impressive physical presence, something that is complimented by some impressive speed and technical ability. He has also has an eye for goal.
What. A. Header. 😍 @Evan_Ferguson9 💥 pic.twitter.com/ERuaAbjDYL
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 21, 2023
READ HERE: "You Only Get These Talents Once Every 10 Years" - Evan Ferguson's Youth Coach On His Brilliance
The Meath native started up front for Brighton once again this afternoon in their FA Cup clash with Liverpool, although there were some concerning scenes as he was helped off the pitch in the second half after picking up an injury.
Fabinho criticised for disgraceful tackle on Evan Ferguson
Evan Ferguson played well in the game, having a shot cleared off the line early and putting in a very energetic performance up front.
He looked set to play the full 90 minutes, only for Liverpool midfielder Fabinho to produce a horror tackle on the striker in the closing stages.
Coming up behind Ferguson as he received possession, the Brazilian would put in a disgraceful that saw him go studs first straight into the youngster's achilles. It looked like a stonewall red card, although the 29-year old somehow got away with a yellow.
You can watch the challenge below.
Horrible challenge by Fabinho pic.twitter.com/K2ODiZTjBj
— EmanDaGoon™ (@EmanDaGoon) January 29, 2023
Sorry but htf has Fabinho got away with this, 100% red??#LiVARpool do it again #FA you're a total joke!!
That is a terrible challenge & every man dog & women knows it!#BHALIV pic.twitter.com/E0G2jqAfAV— Steve Neary (@steveneary66) January 29, 2023
Unfortunately, Evan Ferguson would be substituted straight after the incident. While he would get back up on his feet, he had to be helped off the pitch by the Brighton medical staff.
It looked as though his achilles was the issue, leading to some concerns that this could be a serious injury. Considering the way he has developed in recent times, it would be a massive blow if he were now forced to spend a spell on the sidelines.
As for Fabinho, he came in for some heavy criticism for the the tackle.
Can only presume Fabinho escaped a red card there because the law says something about “looking a bit remorseful”.
— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) January 29, 2023
A tackle like that should get you straight off the pitch.
Even Fabinho was ashamed of it. https://t.co/6hBnOVFevi— Paul Hayward (@_PaulHayward) January 29, 2023
Fabinho fortunate that's only a yellow. The fact it wasn't any higher probably just about saved him. Really poor challenge on Ferguson, who thankfully is back on his feet
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) January 29, 2023
That should be a red for Fabinho on Ferguson. Awful tackle
— Dodge (@seidodge) January 29, 2023
At least justice was done with the result after that Fabinho tackle.
As cynical as it gets. He should be retrospectively banned.
The officials in that VAR room should be sacked at FT
An absolutely fucking shocking tackle. pic.twitter.com/iuZSU9rWE8— DIGB (@DIGB__) January 29, 2023
Speaking on ITV after the game, both Karen Carney and Glen Murray said they had no idea how Fabinho was allowed to stay on the pitch after that attempt at a tackle.
🗣 "I can't understand how the VAR referee can say that isn't a red... it's a terrible challenge! You can see from the player's reaction - he knows it's a red and he's just waiting to be sent off."
Fabinho was booked for this foul - should he have been sent off? pic.twitter.com/tqRjWMs5xl— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 29, 2023
Carney: Sometimes referees just need to go and look at the face of the offending player and you'd know that it's a red card. He knows.
It's late, it's a horrible challenge. I really feel for Ferguson, he knows he should have been sent off there.
Murray: I can't understand how the VAR official can say that isn't a red. It's a terrible challenge.
You can see from the player's reaction that he knows it's a red, he's just waiting to be sent off. Somehow he remains on the field.
That's me speaking as a professional footballer, not an ex-Brighton player.
Brighton and Ireland fans will be eagerly anticipating an update on Evan Ferguson's condition, with many fearful that this could be a serious injury.
Hopefully that isn't the case.
SEE ALSO: British Newspaper Include Two Irish Stars In 'Young English Premier League XI'
