Mason Holgate red card: what Rafa Benitez has said on incident, will Everton appeal and the matches he’ll miss

The centre-back’s rash tackle against Tottenham saw him sent for an early bath at Goodison Park.
By Will Rooney
Published 8th Nov 2021, 09:38 BST
Updated 9th Nov 2021, 06:48 BST
Mason Holgate walks off the pitch after being sent off during Everton’s draw with Tottenham. Picture: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty ImagesMason Holgate walks off the pitch after being sent off during Everton’s draw with Tottenham. Picture: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
Mason Holgate walks off the pitch after being sent off during Everton’s draw with Tottenham. Picture: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images

Mason Holgate had an afternoon to forget after receiving his marching orders in Everton's goalless draw with Tottenham.

Now the centre-back gets set for a spell on the sidelines as he serves a three-match ban.

What happened?

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Holgate came on as a substitute in the 82nd minute of the clash against Spurs at Goodison Park on Sunday.

The former England under-21 international operated in a makeshift central midfield role after replacing Allan, who had flu and needed to be withdrawn.

However, Holgate was issued a red card just 10 minutes after coming on. His rash tackle on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was deemed serious foul play following a VAR review.

Referee Chris Kavanagh shows a red card to Mason Holgate. Picture: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty ImageReferee Chris Kavanagh shows a red card to Mason Holgate. Picture: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Image
Referee Chris Kavanagh shows a red card to Mason Holgate. Picture: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Image

The Toffees held on for a point in Antonio Conte's first Premier League match as Tottenham boss, though, ending a run of three successive defeats.

What's been said?

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Everton boss Rafa Benitez could have few complaints about the decision from referee Chris Kavanagh.

Benitez said: “I thought with Mason, he has played in this position in the past, he is good in the air and can pass the ball - but the tempo was very high so maybe that is why he was late to some of the balls.

“The red card. He cleared the ball and after, he had his studs very high.

“It could be a red card so I cannot complain about that.”

Will Everton appeal Holgate’s red card?

It’s highly unlikely given Benitez couldn’t argue with the decision.

Which games will Holgate miss?

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Holgate will now serve a three-match ban following the international break.

It means he'll be absent for games against Manchester City (Sunday 21 November), Brentford (Sunday 28 November) and the Merseyside derby clash with Liverpool (Wednesday 1 December).

Mason Holgate dejected after his sending off. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty ImagesMason Holgate dejected after his sending off. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Mason Holgate dejected after his sending off. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images

How have fans reacted?

Holgate already had his detractors among Evertonians and his dismissal has left supporters frustrated.

With Yerry Mina currently injured with a hamstring problem, it leaves the Blues short of centre-back options.

Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane played in the role against Spurs, while Jarrad Branthwaite was on the bench.

Here's what some fans have been saying about Holgate's red card on Twitter.

Related topics:Rafa BenitezTottenhamVARPremier League

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