Red decision was a tough one to accept

PORT Vale secured a 0-0 draw at Burton Albion after playing the majority of the game with 10 men. MIKE BAGGALEY looks at the talking points...

- MIKE BAGGALEY

My first thought when George Byers slid in to win the ball from Charlie Webster was, ‘wow, great challenge’.

And then players started crowding round, indignation poured from the stands and I started thinking, ‘maybe there’s something else here?’

‘Oh, the ref’s given a foul. Hang on, did Byers jump in? Oh, it’s a red!”

So, I was braced for the worst when I saw the replay.

This wouldn't be the first time I thought I'd seen one thing but the reality was completely another.

But I watched the replay and I honestly can’t see how it’s a red.

You could spent all evening on social media going through misleading freeze frames and whataboutery, for and against.

And maybe any refs among our readership can tell me what I’ve missed but I think referee Scott Oldham has made a mistake.