Liverpool were completely dominant during their 3-0 victory over Leeds this afternoon, but they will probably struggle to enjoy the result in the manner they normally would due to the injury sustained by Harvey Elliott.
The 18-year has been in exceptional form to begin the season, being named to start at Elland Road once again. He put in another strong performance, only to suffer what looked like a serious injury in the second half.
Elliott went down after a hefty challenge from Pascal Struijk, with the Leeds defender sent off as a result. You could tell from the reaction of the players around him that is was a serious injury, with Mo Salah immediately pleading for the medical staff to make their way onto the pitch.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), who oversee refereeing standards in the Premier League, said they agreed with the decision to produce the red card as it had endangered an opponent.
However, some feel that the tackle was not deserving of a red card despite the outcome it produced.
Speaking on Sky Sports after the game, Jamie Redknapp said that he believed the tackle itself was not a red card offence and the referee only produced one after seeing Elliott's injury.
🗣 "Every time you play football, every time you go in for a challenge you are going to endanger someone, Does he mean to hurt him? No."
Jamie Redknapp gives his view on whether Pascal Struijk deserved to be sent off for the challenge on Harvey Elliott pic.twitter.com/q2UQm2GACs— Football Daily (@footballdaily) September 12, 2021
🗣 "If he hadn't of broken his ankle, would he have sent him off? I don't think he would."
Jamie Redknapp disagrees with the decision to send off Pascal Struijk for his challenge on Harvey Elliott pic.twitter.com/pL2p8B6Yl8— Football Daily (@footballdaily) September 12, 2021
If he hadn't broken his leg or ankle, would he have sent him off? I think he might have booked him, but I don't think he would have sent him off.
For a player, Jimmy had injuries and I had injuries, you're always going to endanger an opponent every time you go sliding into a tackle.
There was one about 15 minutes with Sadio Mane involved that was very similar. Sometimes you can get out of the way of challenges, other times you can't.
Of course we feel incredibly sorry for Harvey Elliott and wish him a speedy recovery. But I don't think it's fair to go 'he meant that, it's a horrendous tackle' because he has broken his leg.
Sometimes in football accidents happen. That's the game we're in, it's a contact sport.
Referee Craig Pawson had immediately decided that he would send Struijk off, only waiting for a VAR check to confirm the decision.
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