Dermot Gallagher baffled by Edson Alvarez in West Ham United loss v Nottingham Forest
Dermot Gallagher couldn’t believe Edson Alvarez allowed the referee to issue him a red card for West Ham United in the 3-0 loss against Nottingham Forest.
Referee Peter Bankes wasted no time showing the 27-year-old a second yellow card at the City Ground on Saturday [2 November] after he needlessly wiped out Anthony Elanga in first-half stoppage time.
Ex-Premier League referee Gallagher offered no complaints when discussing the sending-off live on Sky Sports Ref Watch [4 November, 11:28am] and couldn’t believe Alvarez made such a reckless challenge when he was already on a yellow card.
He agreed with the decision and added: “Why would you give the referee a decision to make like that when you’re on a yellow card?”
Edson Alvarez costs West Ham United dearly v Nottingham Forest
The Mexican international is making a habit of being dismissed this season as his red card against Forest became his second of the campaign after he was sent off in the 5-1 loss against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.
Upon reflection, both red cards were unnecessary actions from the midfielder. While the match at Anfield was all but lost at the time, the Hammers were still within a chance of a turnaround at the City Ground, trailing only by a goal.
Alvarez is a “liability” for this West Ham side and the verdict is unanimous – Julen Lopetegui cannot rely on him to remain composed when up against the odds and he must pay the price for inflicting further pressure on the Spaniard in East London.
Patience is wearing thin at West Ham. Lopetegui has been informed he will be removed from the helm if results do not improve immediately, and with a trip to face Everton next up in the Premier League, the result at Goodison Park will ultimately decide his future.
Alvarez issued a half-hearted apology to the supporters following the result on Saturday, stating he will learn from his actions but, at 27, an experienced midfielder should not need to be told he shouldn’t make reckless challenges with the game on the line.
Regardless, Alvarez will now not be involved at Goodison Park next weekend and he should pray he gets another opportunity to show he can be a valuable member of the side in the future.
In other West Ham news, Ally McCoist expects supporters to disagree with his verdict on the Hammers and Wolves.
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