EPL: ‘You can’t do that’ – Smith, Lee Hendrie slam Awoniyi over red card in Coventry 5-0 defeat

Former England players Lee Hendrie and Sue Smith have slammed Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi following his red card during Coventry City’s 5-0 defeat to Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday.

Both pundits agreed that the Nigerian forward’s challenge justified his red card.

Awoniyi received his marching orders in the 53rd minute after referee Tony Harrington determined that he had used his elbow in an aerial challenge.

The decision left Coventry with only 10 players while they were already trailing by two goals and struggling to manage Brighton’s attack.

Hendrie, a former Aston Villa midfielder, concentrated on the manner in which Awoniyi used his arm and the intensity of the incident.

While speaking on Sky Sports, he contended that the Coventry forward should not have approached the challenge in such a way.

He said, “He has leaned into it. You cannot do that. It is evident that there is an elbow involved and that there is force.”

Smith also agreed with the referee’s decision while discussing the incident for BBC Radio 5 Live.

The former Leeds and England forward highlighted Awoniyi’s movement towards the Brighton player’s face: “That is a red card. He is not even looking at the ball. He moves his arm towards the face.”

Smith added, “You cannot lead with your elbow like that; if you do and make contact with someone, the referee will certainly send you off.”