Matt Paterson horror challenge
Here’s a New Year video nasty: Southampton youngster Matt Paterson lunges at Nemanja Vidić in Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Manchester United.
Even today, having seen replays of the tackle, Saints manager Jan Poortvliet insists that Paterson didn’t deserve a red card. Who’s he kidding?! It was a terrible challenge. Both feet off the ground, studs showing… A potential leg-breaker.
Sticking by your players is one thing, but there comes a point when defending the indefensible just makes you look stupid. Referee Mile Riley was quite right to send the teenager off.
Man United went through to the next round with a 3-0 win.