BEMUSED fans fear it’s the shape of things to come – after a Wolves star was given a red CIRCLE for a shock ninth-minute dismissal.
And even referee Tony Harrington’s decision to send off Joao Gomes for a challenge on Brentford skipper Christian Norgaard in Friday’s 1-1 FA Cup stalemate was roundly condemned.
GettyJoao Gomes got a straight red card early on in the tight draw[/caption]
The debate over Gomes’ punishment was given a whole new sphere by what the ref produced from his pocket.
Many fans were expecting a yellow card after the Brazilian caught midfield counterpart Norgard from behind.
But Harrington judged it worthy of a straight dismissal as it was a reckless lunge from behind – with VAR backing his verdict.
Out came a small circular red card – sparking derision and incredulity in equal measure from viewers.
One joked: “More upset about the red circle than the decision.”
Another posted: “A red circle instead of a red card. The beautiful game is dying.”
And a third fan cleverly blended the two big issues as he wrote: “Should have been a yellow circle, not a red circle.”
The sending-off itself was blasted as “incredibly soft” and “another ridiculous decision”.
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Unsurprisingly, Brentford went on to dominate possession, with Neal Maupay pouncing on a loose ball for a 41st minute opener.
But midway through the second period Michael Doyle thumped his glorious first-ever goal for Wolves from 25 yards.
So after starting off unexpectedly round it ended up all square – meaning a replay to come.
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