Sheffield United midfielder Joe Rothwell was correctly dismissed during Monday night’s clash with Middlesbrough, according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett.
Rothwell saw red after lunging into a challenge on Boro’s Alan Browne during the Championship encounter at Bramall Lane. The incident occurred in the second half of a 2–1 victory for Middlesbrough, a result that sent them to the top of the table for the first time this season.
Hackett said the tackle met the criteria for serious foul play, backing referee Gavin Ward’s decision to issue a straight red card. Rothwell, making his Sheffield United debut after joining from Rangers on Deadline Day, was introduced at half-time but lasted only until the 80th minute.
Middlesbrough had taken control of the game early, with Tommy Conway and Riley McGree finding the net in the first half. Patrick Bamford reduced the deficit for the Blades in the 73rd minute, but their hopes of a comeback faded following Rothwell’s dismissal.
Browne was driving forward down the left when Rothwell rushed into the challenge, catching the midfielder with a high, forceful tackle that left him on the ground. Replays suggested the challenge was reckless, and there was little protest from Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder after the decision.
Hackett explained that the laws of the game are clear on such incidents. A challenge that endangers an opponent’s safety or uses excessive force qualifies as serious foul play and must result in a sending-off. He added that lunging at an opponent with significant force — from any direction — falls under that definition.
Rothwell now faces a three-match suspension, ruling him out of upcoming fixtures against Portsmouth, Sheffield Wednesday and Coventry City.
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