The
Sky Sports pundits were unanimous in their opinion that David Luiz should
have been sent off against Manchester United.
Goals from Pedro, Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard and N'Golo Kante saw Chelsea
cruise to a 4-0 victory on Super Sunday, but their task might have been made
more difficult if their central defender had seen red for a high challenge
on Marouane Fellaini after 41 minutes.
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho did not want to discuss the incident -
for which Luiz was booked - after the match, but Graeme Souness felt Martin
Atkinson had no excuse for failing to send him off.
"That's not a difficult decision to make," Souness told Super Sunday. "The
referee has a full view of it. Does he not see six studs showing? He's seen
something so he gives him a yellow card.
"By the shape of David Luiz going for the ball that is extremely high. It's
a red card.
"Martin Atkinson has completely bottled it."
Fellow pundit Henry agreed, adding: "It's massive. It was a bit strange for
me.
"Obviously we have the replays, but the referee has a great view of it and
that's a red."
And speaking on commentary, Neville agreed a red card might have changed the
course of the game, but that should not detract from Manchester United's
shortcomings.
He said: "I think it was a red card and he was very lucky to stay on the
pitch.
"Obviously it would have had an impact on this game and will be, I suppose,
one reason Jose Mourinho could give, but I can't think he will deflect too
much away from his team today.
"His team have been really poor. I said he would trust them more after
Monday night [0-0 draw with Liverpool] and the resilience they showed, but
today I'm sure some of that trust will have gone away again."
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