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Ancelotti lambasts ‘joke’ red card decision in Southampton fallout

Carlo Ancelotti - Southampton vs Everton
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Lucas Digne was given marching orders at St. Mary’s Stadium, and Carlo Ancelotti informs his side will appeal the ‘unfair’ decision.

Everton dropped all three points in their latest Premier League encounter, suffering a 2-0 defeat against Southampton over the weekend.

Within just under ten minutes in the first half, the away side conceded twice – one from James Ward Prowse and another from Che Adams – as they saw their unbeaten record come to an end.

The Toffees’ hopes for a possible comeback were squashed after they were reduced to 10 men in the second half.

A lunge on Kyle Walker-Peters saw Lucas Digne receive a straight red card by match referee Kevin Friend. 

On account of violent conduct, Digne could receive a three-match ban which would force him to sit out matches against Newcastle, Manchester United, and Fulham.

Carlo Ancelotti, however, believes the decision was an over-reaction to the Merseyside derby last week and is determined for his full-back to avoid punishment.

“The red card was a joke. It was not intentional, for sure it was not violent. It was not a bad challenge. Maybe it was a yellow,” Ancelotti told post-match, speaking to Sky Sports.

“He was running behind and he had contact with the ankle of the opponent. He did not have intention to hurt the player or use violent conduct.

“Maybe all this talk all week against [Jordan] Pickford, against Richarlison, affected the decision and if so it’s not right, it’s not fair. We will appeal, for sure.”

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