John McGinn looked shocked to be shown a red card on Sunday (Picture: Getty Images)
Ollie Watkins reckons John McGinn’s red card against Tottenham on Sunday was harsh, with the Aston Villa captain now set to be banned for three games.
It was a nightmare afternoon for the Villains, losing 4-0 at home to Spurs and the Scottish midfielder being shown a straight red card in the process.
The home team were 2-0 down and frustrated, illustrated by McGinn’s reckless kick out at Destiny Udogie, making no attempt to play the ball and felling the Tottenham full-back.
He could have got away with a yellow card on another day but could have little complaint as it could scarcely be described as a tackle, more a blatant kick out at his opponent.
However, Watkins felt his captain was unlucky and is very disappointed to lose him for the games to come.
‘The sending off I think is harsh,’ said the England striker. ‘Obviously it looks a little bit reckless because it’s in front of their bench and a big reaction from their side. It’s obviously a tough one to take.
‘If someone says you lose the game but you finish with 10 men then I’d take that. John McGinn is so important for us. That’s the biggest nail in the coffin, losing him for three games.’
Villa boss Unai Emery was not so sure, saying it was disappointing from McGinn and he had to control his emotions better in the moment.
‘In the second half, the first two goals were crazy. After the red card it was more difficult to get a result,’ said the Spaniard on Sky Sports.
‘We have to control our emotions, even when we are losing 2-0. We have a responsibility to be mature. We are still fourth in the table but of course we have to accept to lose. Today we weren’t clinical and we weren’t better than the opponent. Then we lost control of our emotions and the red card was disappointing for me.
Tottenham players were furious with McGinn’s kick at Udogie (Picture: Getty Images)
‘Of course John McGinn is always very, very important. He wishes to compete after the second goal.
‘Then the match was difficult to come back. They score two goals. Still, there is two points difference but they have one match in hand. Of course we have to move on.’
Emery did defend his captain to an extent, telling the BBC: ‘I think John McGinn is always playing with passion. It’s his second red card I think in 600 matches. I think he’s always honest and very competitive. His intention is not bad.’
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