Loan striker Divin Mubama will miss Carabao Cup clash with Bradford City after Southampton dismissal
09:50, 26 Aug 2025
Divin Mubama is with Stoke City on a season-long loan from Manchester City.
Divin Mubama is with Stoke City on a season-long loan from Manchester City.(Image: Stoke City)
Stoke City fans have been told they know that loan striker Divin Mubama deserved his red card at Southampton - because of their deafening silence.
The Manchester City man rounded Saints keeper Gavin Bazunu and seemingly had the goal at his mercy, but inexplicably tumbled to the ground to be handed a second yellow for diving - and a subsequent red by referee Joshua Smith.
Now, ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett reckons the Stoke player got what he deserved - and that Potters supporters know it.
He told the Football Insider website: “The referee has got this one right. I don’t see any physical contact with the player. He’s in possession of the ball, has one player left to beat, and if he just pushes the ball, he’ll have a shot at goal.
“The referee is absolutely 100 per cent right. It’s an act of simulation, and he’s got a second yellow for it. Off he goes. Good on the referee for not ducking away from it."
But Hackett claimed the reaction of Stoke fans had convinced him he was right. He added: “I know Stoke City fans are upset because I’ve had some contact me, and they’re unhappy with my answer, but they know it because they don’t come back with anything.
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“It was a poor act of simulation by the player, so if I were a fan, I’d be upset that he’s decided to go to ground instead of having a shot. He was looking for something else. It’s just incredible.”
Mubama, who was also booked for a first-half foul on Flynn Downes, misses tonight’s Carabao Cup clash with Bradford City, but will be available for Saturday’s Championship clash with old foes West Brom at the bet365 Stadium (12.30pm).
Leaders Stoke, who shrugged off the Saints’ one-man advantage at St Mary’s to win 2-1, will be looking for a fourth victory on the trot this season when they host the Baggies.
Stoke boss Mark Robins was baffled by the red card. He said after the game: "He's got his ankles tapped by the goalkeeper, there's no doubt about that, but I think he's gone round the goalkeeper.
"His first touch has taken him around him so it begs the question why would he go down? I don't get it.”
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