Pundits split over Hearts striker Craig Wighton's 'red card' controversy

Sutton and Stewart argue over clash with MacKay
Michael Stewart and Chris Sutton disagree at Tynecastle.Michael Stewart and Chris Sutton disagree at Tynecastle.
Michael Stewart and Chris Sutton disagree at Tynecastle.

Premier Sports pundits Chris Sutton and Michael Stewart argued over whether Hearts striker Craig Wighton should have been sent off against Inverness.

The forward challenged visiting midfielder Daniel MacKay in the first half of Tuesday’s Betfred Cup tie at Tynecastle Park, which the hosts won 1-0 via Jamie Walker’s penalty.

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As the ball ran free, Wighton tried to flick a foot out towards it and appeared to catch the grounded MacKay on the head.

During the interval, Sutton argued he deserved a red card but Stewart insisted his colleague was exaggerating the incident.

“I think he’s a lucky, lucky boy. You don’t have VAR in Scotland. This would have been one in England where the referee would go over to the monitor,” said Sutton.

“The first one he goes for the ball. Why kick out that second time? I think that’s endangering an opponent and I think that’s a red card.”

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Stewart replied: “It’s not excessive use of force. It’s clumsy.” He went on to say Miles Storey’s barge on Craig Halkett was “worse” after the Hearts defender was sent crashing into the advertising boards at the front of the Gorgie Road Stand.

“He charges into the back of Halkett when he’s got absolutely no chance of getting the ball. That’s really, really dangerous,” said Stewart. “I’m saying that’s a yellow but I don’t think the other one was a red.”

He went on to question Sutton: “Do you think Craig Wighton’s is worse?”

The former Celtic forward responded: “Yes, absolutely.”

"Nonsense,” said Stewart.

"He’s caught him in the head. You can’t do that,” replied Sutton.

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