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A footballer committed a horror challenge with a late tackle in a match between Peterborough and Leyton Orient on Tuesday night.
The Football League Trophy encounter finished 3-1 to the visitors but was overshadowed by a mistimed challenge from Orient’s Azeem Abdulai.
Abdulai, 22, was duly shown a straight red card for the tackle, which occurred in the 28th minute of the game.
It left Peterborough full-back Carl Johnston in a heap on the turf, although he was able to come back on after receiving treatment.
While he was sent off for the offence, users reacting to the incident on social media were quick to point out how Abdulai appeared to mean no harm with the challenge – and was merely late to the ball while raising his foot.
One user wrote: ‘I don’t think that’s anywhere near as bad as people are making out. He’s clearly just trying to trap the high ball and has left his leg up there.
A footballer committed a horror challenge with a late tackle in a match between Peterborough and Leyton Orient on Tuesday night
The Football League Trophy encounter finished 3-1 to the visitors but was overshadowed by a mistimed challenge from Orient’s Azeem Abdulai
‘Nothing malicious in it, just lazy and a bit clueless.’
A second wrote: ‘I actually agree as a posh fan. Wasn’t horrendous. Shortest player on the pitch.
‘Yeah red card. But I don’t think it’s as bad as everyone makes out. We all make mistakes.’
Another remarked: ”Horror tackle” is such an exaggeration. Clearly eyes on the ball the whole time. No intent or excessive force, just high.’
A further comment read: ‘No malice at all, agree lazy and clueless’.
Another joked: ‘Barely touched him – play on, maybe even a yellow for a dive? that seems harsh though.’
Another user said: ‘Just cutting him a tiny bit of slack… if you slow it down and look at his eyes, he doesn’t see the Posh player coming until a fraction of a second before he clatters him.
‘Still stupid – but I don’t think it was malicious.’
In the context of the match, the red card proved to be no hindrance to Orient, as they ran out comfortable winners on the night.
