Zak Howells

I think tackles like these should be a red card (I know they never are). This is what Shawcross was trying to do with Ramsey and Taylor with Eduardo, they were both trying to get the ball but do so with unnecessary force to intimidate the player and ‘leave one on them’. The problem is, as we saw in those two cases, you get it ever so slightly wrong and we’re talking ambulances and oxygen masks. It’s the same reason you’re not allowed to drive 100mph. Going in with the force adds absolutely nothing to the act of winning possession or the tackle itself. It’s intended to intimate but but you get it ever so slightly wrong you’re looking at a serious injury. Referees need to get out of the dark ages with this stuff, stop fussing about technical areas and whether a throw in takes six seconds instead of seven seconds. Protect players and punish violent conduct properly 👍