Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett believes the star was fortunate to avoid a red card for his early challenge on Chelsea’s Dario Essugo.
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Conor Gallagher was fortunate to avoid a red card during Spurs’ dramatic 2-1 pre-season victory over Chelsea in Sydney, according to former PGMOL chief and FIFA referee Keith Hackett.
In a fiery pre-season encounter between the two London rivals, Gallagher found himself at the center of controversy just 11 minutes into the match following a heavy challenge on Chelsea midfielder Dario Essugo. Match official Alex King opted to issue a yellow card, though Hackett insists the decision bordered on a sending-off.
Keith Hackett’s Verdict on the Challenge
Reviewing footage of the incident, Hackett explained that while the point of contact remained relatively low, the nature of the challenge satisfied the criteria for a reckless and dangerous tackle.
Addressing the severity of the challenge, Hackett noted (h/t Yahoo Sport):
“That’s a borderline red card. He’s fortunate because, at the point of contact, the foot is low down, but this fulfils a reckless act. Therefore that’s a yellow card. But he’s clearly off his feet, he’s out of control, and there is an element of force.”
Hackett added that had the referee decided to brandish a straight red card, officiating observers would have fully supported the decision due to the inherent risk involved in out-of-control challenges.
Some early tension in the London Derby! 🔥
A big challenge from Conor Gallagher on Dário Essugo just minutes into this match, with the midfielder given a yellow card 👀🟡
Watch #CHEvTOT live and exclusive on Paramount+ 📺 pic.twitter.com/zIiqwCznWK
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Despite the early booking and later finding themselves reduced to ten men when defender Kevin Danso was sent off in the 49th minute for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, Tottenham secured victory. Sandro Tonali’s opening strike and Estêvão’s equalizer had kept the match level before Richarlison struck a dramatic winner in stoppage time.
Gallagher’s high-intensity approach against his former club highlighted the combativeness head coach Roberto De Zerbi seeks to instill in his squad. While the challenge raised refereeing debate, Spurs supporters welcomed the aggressive mindset displayed by the midfielder as Tottenham build momentum ahead of the new Premier League campaign.