Jeff Hendrick was sent-off today.
The Burnley midfielder received his marching orders after just six minutes for a crunching challenge on Jose Holebas.
It means Hendrick will have to wait a bit longer to play alongside Robbie Brady, his Republic of Ireland teammate, who started today’s game against Watford at Vicarage Road on the bench.
We’re not allowed show you video footage of Premier League action, but here are some screenshots of his hefty challenge on Holebas.
Jeff Hendrick is shown a straight red by Michael Oliver for going in dangerously on Jose Holebas. #twitterclarets pic.twitter.com/5xqXLgKrZI
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) February 4, 2017
Hendrick can have few complaints about receiving a red card. His studs were high, the tackle was late and he made contact with Holebas’ shin. It was clumsy, and an obvious sending-off.
But was it ‘cowardly’?
Trevor Sinclair seems to think so.
The former West Ham United winger was on BBC’s Final Score, and grimaced when watching the incident.
“It was a definite red card,” Sinclair said.
“It was a really, really cowardly challenge, over the top, (with) no intention of playing the ball.”
Trevor Sinclair was not impressed with Jeff Hendrick's challenge. #bbcfootball
Final Score: https://t.co/lgHksiiJRA and 🔴 pic.twitter.com/ojfYlZdSw2
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) February 4, 2017
Hendrick’s red card was the fastest in the Premier League this season, and his Burnley teammates were unable to keep out Watford once the hosts were a man to the good.
Troy Deeney and M’Baye Niang scored first-half goals for the hosts, though Ashley Barnes was able to pull one back from the penalty spot.
Catch up with this week’s episode of 888sport Football Friday Live
