What Dean Smith said about decision to send off Sheffield United's John Egan against Aston Villa

Dean Smith says the correct decision was made to send off John Egan early in tonight's game between Aston Villa and Sheffield United at Villa Park.
Sheffield United's John Egan is sent off (Tim Goode/Pool via AP)Sheffield United's John Egan is sent off (Tim Goode/Pool via AP)
Sheffield United's John Egan is sent off (Tim Goode/Pool via AP)

United's Republic of Ireland international saw red in the 12th minute after tangling with his former Brentford teammate Ollie Watkins as the two chased a long ball over the top.

Ref Graham Scott showed a red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity and although United missed a penalty, the Blades returned from the second city empty handed after Ezri Konsa headed the winning goal in the second half.

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And Smith, who was in charge of Brentford when he sold Egan to United in a £4m deal, said of the game's most controversial moment: "Ollie made a good run to get the other side of John Egan which resulted in the red card.

"As soon as the ref blew up for the free-kick, I thought it'd be a red card."

Smith pointed to a similar example in Chelsea's clash with Liverpool on Sunday, when Andreas Christensen was sent off for pulling down Sadio Mane after a ball over the top.

"We all saw the Chelsea v Liverpool game and this was a similar incident, Smith added.

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"OIlie got the wrong side of him and as soon as the whistle went, it was always going to be a red card."

United were handed a lifeline in the game when Matt Targett fouled Chris Basham to give away a penalty, but John Lundstram's spot kick was saved by Villa debut Emi Martinez.

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