Pundits Question Norgaard Red Card Decision

Match of the Day pundits Alan Shearer and Ashley Williams concurred that Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard was unfortunate to receive a red card for his challenge on Jordan Pickford during Saturday’s goalless draw at Everton. Norgaard was dismissed late in the first half after making contact with the Toffees’ goalkeeper at knee height while contesting the ball. Bees manager Thomas Frank stated post-match that it was “never a red card” and that “there needs to be more common sense.” “I agree with Thomas Frank,” Premier League record goalscorer Shearer told Match of the Day. “I think it’s two players running towards the ball at pace. Norgaard has to try and get that ball otherwise his manager says ‘why on earth are you not going for it?'” Shearer continued, “It’s one of those that doesn’t look good in slow motion but he has to go for that ball. It’s completely accidental and I would have loved Chris Kavanagh to say to the VAR official who sent him to the screen ‘no, I saw it on the pitch and didn’t think it was a bad challenge and I’m going to stick with my decision’. “I think he should have done that.”” Former Everton defender Williams added: “I agree with everything Alan said. Even though he goes to the monitor you’d like him to to say, ‘I’ve seen it and I don’t think it is a red card’.”