david_smith
Jeff Hendrick was sent off after just six minutes for Burnley yesterday.
The Irish international was shown a straight red for a heavy tackle on Jose Holebas, with Michael Oliver deciding that the tackle warranted a red card.
The Clarets went on to lose the game 2-1 at Vicarage Road, a result which leaves the club 12th in the table.
Robbie Brady also made his debut for Burnley after his £13 million deadline day move to the Premier League side, and was on set piece duty for his new club.
Troy Deeney put the hosts ahead in the 10th minute, and M’Baye Niang doubled the Hornets’ lead before Ashley Barnes scored a late consolation goal for the visitors.
Hendrick has been a key player for Sean Dyche’s side since his summer transfer to Turf Moor, but his club were always going to struggle away from home with 10 men for 84 minutes.
You can watch his tackle below, and decide for yourself whether it was worthy of a red card.
Hendrick now faces a three match ban unless he decides to appeal the decision. He might feel aggrieved with the inconsistent refereeing when it has come to similar tackles this season.
Needless to say, his dismissal caused a strong reaction on Twitter…
Jeff Hendrick is shown a straight red by Michael Oliver for going in dangerously on Jose Holebas. #twitterclarets pic.twitter.com/5xqXLgKrZI
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) February 4, 2017
Appalling challenge by Jeff Hendrick v Watford. How could anyone at Burnley object to him being sent off.
— Paul Hayward (@_PaulHayward) February 4, 2017
6 – Jeff Hendrick’s red card (6 mins) was the quickest in the PL since March 21 2015 (Gareth McAuley for West Brom v Man City 2 mins). Bath.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 4, 2017
Jeff Hendrick should be sent off for his hair, never mind that tackle! #MOTD
— James Stevenson (@JStevo21) February 4, 2017
