Kevin Mirallas Receives Red Card vs. Swansea City: Latest Details and Reaction
Kevin Mirallas lasted just two minutes for Everton during their 0-0 draw against Swansea City in the Premier League on Saturday, coming on as a substitute in injury time before seeing a straight red card for a bad tackle on Modou Barrow.
The Belgian had barely been on the pitch having just replaced Ross Barkley. He went over the ball in a duel with Barrow and instead caught the Swansea man straight on the ankle. Football writer David Prentice certainly understood the official's decision to brandish the red card:
With just seconds left in injury time, Mirallas' decision to go into the tackle with such force was about the worst thing he could have done, and there's a good chance he'll miss the Merseyside derby with Liverpool on Matchday 8 as a result.
Naturally, social media focused on the fact Mirallas spent just minutes on the pitch at the Liberty Stadium. Footy Accumulators shared a classic:
Men in Blazers thought of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, who managed to get himself sent off less than a minute after coming onto the pitch against Manchester United last season:
Everton never looked likely to steal a point in Swansea on Saturday, as the Toffees produced one of their least inspiring outings of the campaign. The tricky Mirallas could have provided a late boost, although most fans and pundits didn't understand manager Roberto Martinez's decision to introduce him deep into injury time.
MailSport's Joe Strange was one of them, and he thinks the Belgian will deservedly pay for his actions:
The Toffees play Reading in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday before Premier League clashes with West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool. In all likelihood, Mirallas will miss all three fixtures.
