SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
Despite a largely encouraging performance at the London Stadium on Wednesday, Roy Hodgson will have left east London with a sour taste in his mouth.
Why? Well, we may be biased, but the decision to send Christian Benteke off in the 70th minute was an absolutely woeful call from David Coote.
Most human beings tend to use their arms to gain leverage, doing so by raising their elbows in the process.
To receive two yellow cards for simply doing that, with no malice or intention to elbow a fellow professional, is baffling.
Just by watching the highlights – provided by Sky Sports on YouTube – you can see that Benteke’s eyes are firmly fixed on the ball when contesting the aerial duel with Tomas Soucek which saw him red-carded.
The dismissal will leave Hodgson and the Eagles livid for numerous reasons.
Firstly, the south Londoners played well against David Moyes’ men, and could’ve potentially snatched a late winner if eleven men were still on the pitch.
Additionally, the fact that Benteke will now miss Saturday’s clash with Liverpool will annoy Hodgson.
The ex-Aston Villa striker has three goals in three games and is finally starting to find a bit of rhythm.
For that rhythm to now be broken up by Coote’s hasty decision is a tremendous shame.
Hopefully, Benteke can pick up where he left off upon his return.
