Shea Lacey was sent off in the 89th minute of Manchester United’s FA Cup defeat to Brighton, with the 18-year-old receiving his marching orders for dissent after throwing the ball in anger at referee Simon Hooper
Shea Lacey has apologised to Manchester United supporters for getting sent off against Brighton & Hove Albion. Meanwhile, Simon Hooper was right to show the red card for the teenager’s display of dissent according to Keith Hackett, ex-head of refereeing body PGMOL.
The 18-year-old had been brought on as a second-half substitute by Darren Fletcher and went close with a shot just before Benjamin Sesko’s 85th minute goal pulled United back into Sunday’s FA Cup third round tie. However, a full comeback wasn’t on the cards for the home team, who now only have Premier League matches left to play this season after their 2-1 defeat to the Seagulls.
Adding to the disappointment of the FA Cup exit was Lacey’s dismissal. The forward was shown a yellow card by referee Hooper in the 87th minute for a foul on Yasin Ayari.
Just two minutes later, he committed a similar offence against Ferdi Kadioglu. While the second foul wasn’t considered a bookable offence in itself, Lacey’s reaction of angrily throwing the ball led to his sending off.
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After the match, the United player posted an apology on Instagram to the club’s fans. He stated: “I want to apologise to all of my teammates staff and the fans [sad pensive face emoji]. I let everybody down tonight I shouldn’t let my emotions get the better of me I will do everything I can to make this right [praying emoji].”
In his analysis, former PGMOL boss Hackett told Football Insider: “Simon Hooper is correct in cautioning this rather petulant action which, of course, was a clear act of dissent.
“Hopefully the player will not do it again,” Hackett added about the young United player who hails from Liverpool, who was clearly upset with the sending off in just his third senior appearance for the club.
Lacey challenged Hooper’s judgement before leaving the pitch. As he headed towards the Old Trafford tunnel, he covered his face with his shirt, and TV footage captured the teenager booting a wall in additional frustration following the incident.
Due to collecting two yellow cards in a single match, Lacey will now face a one-game ban. As these sanctions apply across English domestic competitions, he will miss next weekend’s Premier League Manchester derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford on 17 January.
The winger will be eligible for United’s visit to the Emirates Stadium, where they face league leaders Arsenal, on 25 January. United interim manager Fletcher questioned Hooper’s decision.
Fletcher said: “Shea Lacey’s yellow card is ridiculous compared to the fouls that we had against us all game, which ultimately then the lad makes a mistake and is sent off. For me it is poor refereeing.”
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