West Ham controversy: Mavropanos in ‘reckless incident’ as footage emerges
West Ham defender Konstantinos Mavropanos can have no complaints about his red card against Crystal Palace, Keith Hackett says.
The Greek international was sent off after two yellow cards in the 2-0 defeat at the London Stadium on 18 January, with both fouls on Jean-Philippe Mateta [Sky Sports].
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, the ex-PGMOL chief and FIFA referee admitted that there was no other choice at the London Stadium.
“Mavropanos can have no complaints on either of the two yellow cards issued to him that was followed by the red,” Hackett said.
“The first for unsporting behaviour for fouling his opponent, and stopping a promising attack.
“Already on a yellow, you have to take care but his high boot into the face of his opponent was reckless and fully deserved the second yellow followed by the red.
West Ham controversy as footage emerges
“He left referee Thomas Bramhall with no option on either offence.”
Graham Potter will not be happy with what he was watching.
With injuries already ripping through his squad at the London Stadium, the last thing he needed was one of his senior players getting sent off in a lacklustre defeat.
Mavropanos is now suspended, and with crucial games against the likes of Aston Villa, Chelsea and Brentford coming up, it’s hard to see where he gets back in.
In other West Ham news, one of the Irons’ Premier League rivals have laid down the terms for a possible transfer to East London.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.