Express & Star

Former Walsall man goes viral after bizarre red card

Former Walsall man Jason Demetriou has gone viral after receiving a straight red card for committing one of the most blatant fouls ever.

Published

The Cypriot defender was instantly dismissed for a comically late challenge on Slovenia's Domen Crnigoj during Tuesday night's Nations League fixtures.

The video comes from the dying moments of an already feisty affair at Slovenia's Stožice Stadium that saw three players sent off as the visitor's hung on to take a point with nine men.

Just two weeks ago Cardiff's Joe Ralls committed a similar foul on Tottenham's Lucas Moura, after allowed the ball to run past him before hacking the man to the ground.

The world seemed to unanimously agree with referee Mike Dean's decision to award Ralls a straight red card. That is everyone but the backroom staff at Cardiff.

First, Bluebirds boss Neil Warnock claimed that the foul should not have been an instant dismissal as it did not "endanger the life" of Moura.

Then, the club followed up by appealing the red card - an appeal that was overruled by the Football Association.

As of yet, the Cyprus Football Association have made no attempt to argue the red card with UEFA, so, Demetriou should be free to feature for Southend for at least the next few International breaks.