Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler believed that Joao Pedro’s yellow card for his challenge on Ipswich Town goalkeeper Christian Walton was a fair decision.
Pedro, who was involved in a physical battle with Ipswich defenders throughout the 2-0 victory, collided with Walton in the 54th minute. The Brazilian forward, chasing a long pass, launched himself off the ground and hit Walton at full speed. While home fans called for a red card, referee Tony Harrington issued only a yellow.
Brighton secured the win thanks to second-half goals from Kaoru Mitoma and substitute Georginio Rutter.
When asked by Sussex World if Pedro’s challenge could have warranted a red card, Hurzeler responded: “Why? I think he was late, but he had no bad intentions and didn’t want to hurt him. I don’t see a red card for this, never.”
Mitoma’s goal came shortly after the collision with Walton. Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna was asked whether his goalkeeper was still shaken after the incident. “I haven’t watched the collision again,” McKenna said. “Maybe it was worse than I initially thought. I thought Pedro left one on the goalkeeper, but he knows what he’s doing. Was it a red card? I wasn’t calling for one. How Christian felt after, I’ll have to ask him.”
McKenna added, “I’ve been asked about it a few times. I think he left a bit on the goalkeeper. It happens in football. The referee gave a yellow, and that’s that. It’s not something we’ll dwell on.”
The win marked Brighton’s first Premier League victory in eight matches, lifting them to ninth in the table ahead of their Sunday match at Manchester United.
“We controlled the game well,” Hurzeler said. “We defended well, and in the second half, we created more chances. We remained patient, stuck to our structure, and played more vertically, so I think we deserved the win.”
‘Why’ – Fabian Hurzeler hits back at Joao Pedro claim after Christian Walton clash at Ipswich Town
