Last-placed Sheffield United took a tough Premier League loss in their match hosting Brighton this Sunday. Despite having the opportunity to overpass relegation-rivals Burnley with a win or draw, another 5-0 loss (the second one in February) sent the Blades to yet another match day as the worst team in England’s top-flight.
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) February 18, 2024
They have conceded 43 goals in 25 games so far in the season.
However, while results like these aren’t surprising considering Sheffield’s form this season, a turning point in the game that ultimately sentenced the club to the embarrassing loss happened in just the opening minutes, leaving Sheffield with 10 men for practically 90 minutes. You’re gonna wanna see this (or not).
Watch: Mason Holgate’s horrible red card challenge on Kaoru Mitoma
This might be the worse challenge you’ll see this year.
Sheffield United’s Mason Holgate was sent off after just 13 minutes when he recklessly placed his studs on Kaoru Mitoma's upper leg, ending in perhaps one of the most reckless fouls we’ve seen so far this season. Colgate was initially (and incredibly) given a yellow card for the offense but was shown the red card after a VAR review.
MASON HOLGATE RED CARD. Flying tackle as clear a sending-off as you'll see. A foul worth all the cards, actually. Red, Yellow...even Blue. pic.twitter.com/enQ6FEZplO
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) February 18, 2024
Mason Holgate is sent off for Sheffield United after just 10 minutes of play at Bramall Lane pic.twitter.com/DO31aRgvEG
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 18, 2024
This could’ve ended bad.
Holgate, who is playing at Sheffield on loan from Everton, has had similar offenses in the past, causing fans on social media to ask the FA to hand him a heavy suspension.
Mason Holgate 2021 vs 2024
Same tackle ♂️ pic.twitter.com/qg11CjzgUX— Everton Xtra (@Everton_Xtra) February 18, 2024
Mason Holgate showed us who he was a long time ago. pic.twitter.com/9tG2Sp59r6
— (Sham) (@Shamsdale) February 18, 2024
In a post-match interview, Sheffield’s Anel Ahmedhodzic gave his thoughts on Holgate’s challenge, embarassingly claiming the player should not have been sent off. Yes, you heard that right.
"In my opinion, it's not a red card"
Anel Ahmedhodzic didn't think Mason Holgate should've been sent off pic.twitter.com/E0NKSWTDJO— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 18, 2024
Sheffield, who are the top-contenders for relegation this season, will most likely play in the Championship next season and unsportsmanlike challenges, along with statements like Ahmedhodzic’s, will most likely not make Premier League fans miss their absence next year.
