Gary Neville slams decision not to send Wilmar Barrios off for headbutt on England’s Jordan Henderson: ‘It’s a red card, it’s stonewall’

By Jonathan Spencer For Mailonline

Published: 20:07 BST, 3 July 2018 | Updated: 20:29 BST, 3 July 2018

Gary Neville believes Wilmar Barrios deserved to be sent off for his headbutt on Jordan Henderson in the first half of England’s last-16 World Cup clash with Colombia.

While England were preparing to take a free-kick on the edge of the Colombia box, Barrios leaned his head into Henderson’s chest and up into his chin as they both stood in the wall.

The Liverpool midfielder fell to the ground before referee, Mark Geiger, consulted VAR for clarification following complaints from the England players, led by Harry Maguire.

Colombia's Wilmar Barrios headbutted Jordan Henderson during first half of World Cup clash

Colombia’s Wilmar Barrios headbutted Jordan Henderson during first half of World Cup clash

Gary Neville slammed the decision to give a yellow, claiming it was a 'stonewall' red card

Gary Neville slammed the decision to give a yellow, claiming it was a 'stonewall' red card

Gary Neville slammed the decision to give a yellow, claiming it was a ‘stonewall’ red card

The Colombian puts his head into Henderson's chest while they wait for England's free-kick

The Colombian puts his head into Henderson's chest while they wait for England's free-kick

The Colombian puts his head into Henderson’s chest while they wait for England’s free-kick

Liverpool midfielder Henderson reacts immediately after Barrios leans into his chin inMoscow

Liverpool midfielder Henderson reacts immediately after Barrios leans into his chin inMoscow

Liverpool midfielder Henderson reacts immediately after Barrios leans into his chin inMoscow

However, it was adjudged to have only been a yellow card, much to the anger of the England camp.

And ITV pundit Neville slammed the decision, insisting: ‘I’ve accused England of being naive before but Henderson’s gone down when maybe he doesn’t have to. It’s a red card, it’s stonewall.’ 

Meanwhile, fellow pundit Lee Dixon was in full agreement with Neville at half-time of the tight affair. 

Henderson holds his face before falling to the ground in Moscow on Tuesday evening

Henderson holds his face before falling to the ground in Moscow on Tuesday evening

Henderson holds his face before falling to the ground in Moscow on Tuesday evening

Liverpool midfielder Henderson falls to the ground as Harry Maguire and Jesse Lingard appeal

Liverpool midfielder Henderson falls to the ground as Harry Maguire and Jesse Lingard appeal

Liverpool midfielder Henderson falls to the ground as Harry Maguire and Jesse Lingard appeal

Referee Mark Geiger only gave Barrios a yellow card, much to the dismay of the England camp

Referee Mark Geiger only gave Barrios a yellow card, much to the dismay of the England camp

Referee Mark Geiger only gave Barrios a yellow card, much to the dismay of the England camp

‘It’s a red card. He’s done it blatantly… it’s a definite red card,’ Dixon added.

And the dismay didn’t stop there, with Chris Waddle also firmly putting his voice across on BBC Radio 5 Live.  

Waddle said: ‘It could have been a red. The standard of refereeing – we don’t like talking about the refereeing – has been fairly inconsistent yet again.’  

 

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