The Japanese media shed light on the tackle situation of Son Heung-min (30, Tottenham).
Son Heung-min started in the 21st round of the 2022-23 season English Premier League (EPL) against Fulham at Craven Cottage in London, England on the 24th (Korean time) and played an active role until the 30th minute in the second half.
Son Heung-min’s tackle was on the cutting board. Son Heung-min tried to dribble in the 27th minute of the first half, but lost the ball to the cooperative defense of the opponent’s defense. Son Heung-min started defending right away and stepped on the ankle of Fulham defender Kenny Tete in the process. The referee gave Son Heung-min a yellow card.
A number of experts argued that Son Heung-min should have been ejected from the scene. Tim Sherwood, who served as acting coach and manager at Tottenham in the past, told England’s ‘HITC’, “It was such a bad tackle that it was fortunate that Son Heung-min continued the game without being sent off. He is a 100% red card.”
He also said, “It was like a coward and it’s a shocking tackle. Tete’s leg could have been broken. I don’t understand why the video review (VAR) didn’t issue an ejection decision. It was a very inappropriate scene.” 스포츠토토
The Japanese media also showed interest in Son Heung-min’s tackle. Japan’s ‘Soccer Digest’ said on the 25th (Korean time), “Son Heung-min’s tackle is controversial. Son Heung-min stepped on Tete’s ankle while trying to defend the ball and making a late challenge. Fulham protested that it was a red card.”
“If Son Heung-min had been sent off, it is highly likely that the game would have unfolded in a completely different way. Because of this, Fulham may have regrets about the decision.”
Son Heung-min, who received a yellow card, assisted Harry Kane’s goal at the end of the first half. And Kane’s goal became the winning goal. If Son Heung-min was sent off because he was actually involved in scoring, the outcome of the game could have been different. Fulham’s protest also seems to be this aspect.