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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Matt Abbott

'Stupid' Luton Town player escapes red card and ban ahead of Nottingham Forest clash

Nottingham Forest's next opponents Luton Town were deemed fortunate to end Monday night's defeat to Huddersfield Town with 11 men by Sky Sports pundits Michael Hefele and Sam Parkin.

An incident in the second half came moments after Luton striker Elijah Adebayo saw a penalty strike the outside of the upright. In the aftermath, Huddersfield midfielder Lewis O'Brien was seen celebrating in close proximity to the taker by the penalty spot.

This prompted teammate Kal Naismith to arrive on the scene and shove the opposition player over and onto his back with a single push. Further players from either side then became involved with the referee booking Naismith as well as teammate Fred Oneydinma and Huddersfield's Sorba Thomas for their involvement.

READ: Luton boss bemoans 'catastrophic' situation ahead of crunch Forest clash

READ: Luton man makes Forest demand ahead of crucial week

Both pundits were in agreement after the match that the 30-year-old was fortunate to only be booked for the incident. Former Forest and Huddersfield defender Hefele told Sky Sports (via YorkshireLive): "It's just unnecessary.

"Whatever was there, if you say trash talk or whatever, don't go to another player and shove him on the floor. For me it's a red card, it's silly. Just stupid, nothing has happened."

Fellow pundit Parkin, once a Luton player, echoed those thoughts, adding: "Maybe the officials didn't see it. They alluded to that in the commentary because that's a red card.

"He raises his arms and something has been said. He's got to show a little bit more composure, especially at that stage in the game. Luton were in the ascendency."

Had a red card been shown then the player would have missed their Good Friday match when they welcome Steve Cooper 's side to Kenilworth Road. That suspension would've also added to Nathan Jones' “catastrophic” injury problems.

Midfielders Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu and Henri Lansbury, formerly of Forest, were both withdrawn during the first half in west Yorkshire. Both are now potential doubts for the Easter weekend.

Did you watch the incident? Do you think Naismith should have been sent off? Have your say in the comments section below...

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