Craig Pawson was right not to send off Lucas Moura for his high boot but Harry Kane’s yellow card for tackle on Antonio Valencia was harsh
- Craig Pawson took his time to assess injury to Phil Jones and book Lucas Moura
- High-foot challenges are judged by consequences and decision was correct
- Harry Kane was booked for challenge on Antonio Valencia that was harsh
Craig Pawson was right to take his time and assess the extent of the injury to Phil Jones after Lucas Moura’s high boot early in the game.
High-foot challenges are always judged by the consequences and, after Pawson waited to determine that there was no serious injury suffered, he was right to show Moura a yellow card as opposed to red.
Think back to last season and Sadio Mane’s high boot on Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson – which caused a very nasty injury – and the referee on that occasion was right to send off the Liverpool striker.
Lucas Moura (right) was given a yellow card for his high boot to the face of Phil Jones
But I was not happy with Pawson’s yellow card for Harry Kane in the first half for his challenge on Antonio Valencia.
A talking to would have sufficed, because if that was a yellow then your tolerance level for a big game like this is too low.
Pawson, though, was right to wave play on when Moura went down under Jones’ challenge in the penalty area before half-time.
It was shoulder to shoulder and they are both fighting for the ball on the same level.
If Moura is ahead of Jones then yes, it’s a penalty, but this is a duel between defender and attacker.
Harry Kane was booked for his challenge on Antonio Valencia but it was a harsh call
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