Brentford Manager Thomas Frank Disputes Red Card Call, Praises Team Performance

Thomas Frank, the manager of Brentford, shared his thoughts with BBC Match of the Day, stating: “There’s a lot of positives to take from the game. Mentality, effort, character, defensive principles. The first clean sheet of the season, first points. I think it was well deserved. We got the biggest chance in the game. We were definitely low at times but I’m very proud.” Regarding a specific incident, Frank asserted: “It’s never a red card for me. The ball is coming across and he’s only looking at the ball. Pickford is moving around and it’s very unlucky with the contact to the leg, he’s actually pulling out. It would have been a big injury to him potentially.” He further commented on the lack of player reaction, adding: “You can see the reaction from the players on the pitch who are close to it, no reactions to it. There needs to be more common sense and understanding on how the ball is played.” Frank also noted that “several Everton players said it’s never a red card” following the match, confirming that Brentford intends to appeal the decision. He expressed concern about the implications for the sport, stating: “If this is a red card, the game has changed and I don’t like that.” He mentioned having “a good chat with the referee about it” and emphasized the necessity for future consistency if rules have indeed shifted. Frank concluded by remarking: “It is a contact sport, they know that. I don’t like the way it has changed in my opinion.” Addressing Igor Thiago’s first appearance, Frank commented: “It’s big for him, he’s happy and smiling. it was very good to get him on the pitch.”