It might be one of the most irritating cliches when someone bemoans “they’re not that type of player” in an attempt to defend a poor challenge for a red card. Luka Modric could fall under that category only this time the red card decision does look to be a bit harsh.
He was shown a straight red card against Celta Vigo for a challenge on Denis Suarez. He does catch his ankle in what looks like a sore one but the challenge looked pretty innocuous.
Does Luka Modric really deserve this red card?pic.twitter.com/le1zMrX7QF
— O D O G W U???? (@TweetAtAustin) August 17, 2019
These fans certainly didn’t think it deserved a straight red and think VAR should’ve intervened:
Modric will win that appeal. That was a bullshit red card. Yellow? Yes
— Tony (@TonyG916) August 17, 2019
Yea it was a late tackle …but I’m stil amazed at the VAR induced red card for Modric .
— *IfE* (@ifeduyile) August 17, 2019
Bogus red card on modric and VAR looked at it too it’s okay kroos just scored a screamer to put us up 2-0
— Diego Huitron (@Diegoh_XO) August 17, 2019
Modric’s red card wouldn’t have stood if not for VAR
— Lt.Gen Warkaholic (@ibras007) August 17, 2019
A tweet from Squawka confirmed it was the first time the Croatian was shown a red card in his professional career.
Luka Modri? has been shown a straight red card for the first time in his 16-year senior career.
Just the second time he’s been sent off. ? pic.twitter.com/U3td858xxd
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 17, 2019
Fortunately for Real Madrid Toni Kroos scored a second goal minutes after the sending off so they look set to win the game.