Reinildo’s Sunderland red card sparks fresh debate for former Premier League ref, ‘that’s violence…’

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Former Premier League referee Chris Foy engaged in an argument with talkSPORT host Sam Matterface regarding Reinildo’s red card for Sunderland.

The 31-year-old received his marching orders in the 34th minute during the 1-1 draw against Aston Villa after he kicked out at defender Matty Cash.

Mark Clattenburg agreed a red card was justifiable after VAR instructed referee Sam Barrott to review the incident.

Cash then went on to score Villa’s first Premier League goal of the season to open the scoring in the 67th minute at the Stadium of Light.

Reinildo’s absence would prove to have no dire consequences for the Black Cats as in-form forward Wilson Isidor equalised eight minutes after the opener to secure a share of the spoils.

However, the incident has sparked fresh debate about whether the full-back indeed deserved to be sent off on Sunday.

Reinildo deserved to receive a red card against Aston Villa

When discussing the red card incident on the Premier League All Access podcast, Foy could not believe that host Sam Matterface defended the Sunderland full-back and deemed Reinildo’s challenge as “violence”.

• Foy: “Sam, if you think this is a yellow card for reckless play, then I’m really disappointed in you, because, yes, it was a foul. It was a foul, and the referee, Sam Barrett, quite rightly, awarded a free kick. You cannot retaliate in that way. He launched a straight leg into the groin of Matty Cash.”
• Matterface: “It wasn’t the launching of a straight red, he took a prod at him.”
• Foy: “Sam, you’re talking guff. Come on, man, that is, he’s just gone with the straight leg up the inside of his thigh into his groin. You talk about striking somebody in the groin there, that is absolutely a violent act. That’s not reckless play, that’s violence. Where’s the ball? Don’t answer that one, by the way. And he’s, he’s, he’s got him in the groin, and there’s, listen. There ain’t nobody I’ve spoken to or seen or listened to says that’s not a red card.”
• Matterface: “Well, do you know what? I just thought that after 33 minutes. I also don’t like the idea that if you are the player that is fouled, if you are wrestled to the ground and pushed on the floor and pushed out of play, that you know you’re on your back, you’ve been knocked over, you’re off kilter, someone’s treading all over you, and you react because you’re like, ‘Get off me’, then you’re the one that gets the red card. I don’t like that, but I can. I’m not stupid. I understand that by the letter of the law. That is a red card. But go back 10-15 years, I’m not necessarily sure that would be the case.”

While Isidor’s record-breaking goal rescued a point for the Black Cats, Reinildo is culpable for leaving his side with a one-man disadvantage for the majority of the clash.

Furthermore, Robin Roefs could have handed Sunderland three points had the goalkeeper correctly dealt with Cash’s shot; therefore, an argument can be made that the hosts could have claimed a vital victory with 11 players on the pitch.

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer continued his praise of their North East rivals as Regis Le Bris continues to defy expectations upon their return to the top flight.

Sunderland remain in the European spots at the top half of the league table after five matches and sit five points clear of the relegation zone, but very well could have dropped an important point due to Reinildo’s hot-headed moment.

Reinildo will miss three vital games for Sunderland

With the Premier League rules stating a player guilty of violent conduct will receive a three-match ban, the Mozambique international will miss a potentially defining period for Sunderland.

The Black Cats will face two tough away trips to Nottingham Forest and Manchester United prior to hosting bottom-of-the-table Wolves, before Reinildo returns from his suspension.

Indeed, Le Bris has more than proven he is capable of managing at this level, but the Frenchman needs his best players available if he is to sustain the side’s sensational form.

Arthur Masuaku is likely to deputise for Reinildo during this period, but considering the 31-year-old has not played consistent Premier League football since the 2021/22 campaign, it remains to be seen how significant a drop-off his displays will be in comparison to his teammate.