Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier should have been sent off for his 'reckless' challenge on Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne on Sunday, according to Garth Crooks.
The full-back scored a delightful free-kick against City to put Newcastle 3-1 ahead, with the Premier League champions coming back to claim a 3-3 draw. However, Trippier was later shown a red card for a high challenge on De Bruyne, but after a VAR check, the decision was reversed and the England international was booked instead.
Crooks named Trippier in his BBC Premier League team of the week for his overall performance, although he believes the defender should have been sent off for his 'cynical' foul.
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"It was one hell of a performance by the team captain and the highlight was a superbly taken free-kick," said Crooks.
"Trippier, who was clearly prepared to put himself on the line for his team - and nearly did. The tackle on Kevin de Bruyne was cynical and reckless and the original red card should not have been rescinded.
"He said it was not his intention to hurt De Bruyne but to stop the player. It is a point I understand but it's irrelevant because it was the cynicism that should have been punished, not just the tackle. Video evidence doesn't just give the referee a second and third chance to look at the offence but to analyse his decision. It is the referee's opinion that matters and the referee's decision that is final."
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