Wilder should be 'cut some slack' for 'harsh' red card

Chris Wilder's red card for kicking the ball into the stands at Bramall Lane was "harsh" according to the BBC's EFL 72+ podcast team.

Wilder was dismissed by referee Adam Herczeg for booting the ball into the crowd while leaving the field for half-time, moments after Saints were awarded a penalty in first-half stoppage time in their 2-1 win at the Blades on Tuesday night, which left Wilder's side bottom with seven defeats in eight Championship games.

Co-host Jobi McAnuff told the 72+ podcast: "I think he's really unlucky, there's no intent whatsoever. We have seen incidents in the past where someone has smashed the ball into the stands... it was nothing like that.

"He's had a word with one of his players, the ball is rolling towards him, I tell you what it's a hell of a strike, he's caught it beautifully, but obviously a bit too well and it's ended up in the crowd.

"His immediate reaction summed it all up, he couldn't believe it, goes into the crowd and makes sure everything's alright.

"The referee clearly saw no alternative but I thought it was a bit harsh, I don't think there was any malice or any harm done."

72+ guest and former Hull City boss Phil Brown suggested Wilder should be "cut some slack".

"It wasn't malice, there wasn't anything in it. He's not gone down the tunnel and had to be pulled back, he's gone straight across to the person, why give him a red card after that?" he added.