Liverpool’s Roy Hodgson Backs Joe Cole after Red Card
Joe Cole was shown an automatic red card in his debut for Liverpool but gets backing from Red’s boss Roy Hodgson who is talking of a possible appeal.Red’s boss Roy Hodgson has spoken out in defence of Joe Cole after he was issued an automatic red card for lunging at Arsenal’s Laurent Koscienly around the midway mark of Liverpool’s game against Arsenal.
Hodgson has even gone on as far to say that the club may in fact appeal Cole’s dismissal as he now faces a three match suspension for his actions.
Here’s what Roy Hodgson had to say…
“Joe is devastated. It was a fantastic atmosphere, he was desperate to do well, he wasn’t playing at the top of his game, but trying to get to that level, and he gets sent off. “I have seen the TV replays and they suggest he is a little bit unlucky.
“He didn’t dive at the player – he dived in front of the ball. I think Joe’s legs have got caught up with the player’s legs and could have twisted his knee, so it was a relief to see him come out for the second half.
“It will be a big loss if Joe’s suspended. We will look at the video again and maybe try and find out from if we have a case for an appeal. I don’t want a frivolous appeal.
“Cole has an unblemished record. He’s had no red cards and very few yellow cards. “He’s not the type of player who goes in for blood-curdling tackles.”
The match resulted in a 1-1 draw for Liverpool and Arsenal, however, Liverpool can claim a moral victory for achieving this result with only 10 men in the second half.
