‎“That’s a red” – Keith Hackett gives verdict after rewatching Joe Rothwell dismissal in Sheffield United clash

Sheffield United midfielder Joe Rothwell deserved to be dismissed after a reckless challenge on Middlesbrough’s Alan Browne during Monday night’s meeting at Bramall Lane, according to Keith Hackett.

The former PGMOL chief and FIFA referee told Football Insider that Rothwell’s tackle crossed the line into serious foul play, leaving referee Gavin Ward with little option but to show a straight red card.

Middlesbrough moved top of the Championship for the first time this season thanks to a hard-earned 2-1 victory.

Kim Hellberg’s side built a strong first-half advantage through goals from Tommy Conway and Riley McGree, before Patrick Bamford reduced the deficit in the 73rd minute. Sheffield United pushed for an equaliser but were unable to find one, with Rothwell sent off late on in his debut appearance.

Rothwell, who joined the Blades from Rangers on Deadline Day after a difficult spell at Ibrox, was introduced at half-time in place of Ollie Arblaster.

However, his night ended prematurely when Ward dismissed him in the 80th minute following a rash lunge on Browne as the Middlesbrough midfielder drove forward down the left.

The sending-off means Rothwell will now serve a three-match suspension, ruling him out of fixtures against Portsmouth, Sheffield Wednesday and Coventry City, while the incident drew ridicule from some Rangers supporters online.

Hackett backed the referee’s decision, insisting the challenge met the criteria for serious foul play. He explained that the laws define such offences as tackles that endanger an opponent’s safety or involve excessive force, adding that lunging into a challenge in that manner must be punished with a red card.