Neville backs Mikel red card

Everton midfielder believes referee had no choice

Last updated: 10th January 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Neville backs Mikel red card

Neville: Unhappy with tackle

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Everton skipper Phil Neville claims John Obi Mikel deserved to be sent off in Tuesday's Carling Cup semi-final and that his challenge was typical of foreign players.

Chelsea midfielder Mikel was red carded for a studs-up challenge on Neville during the 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge.

It was Mikel's second sending off of the season and Neville believes the tackle was typical of many overseas players plying their trade in England's top flight.

"The rules state that if you go in with your studs showing you should be sent off," said Neville.

"Referees have a hard job because they have to abide by the rules.

Studs showing

"I think he went for the ball. It was probably with his studs showing but foreigners tend to tackle like that.

"I don't think it was with any malice but you cannot do that. That is the type of tackle we want out of our game.

"It's things like that which should be punished."