Liverpool legend Graeme Souness blasts ref for not sending off David Luiz
SKY Sports pundit rages after Chelsea defender was only cautioned for his tackle on Marouane Fellaini
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REFEREE Martin Atkinson “completely bottled” the decision to send off David Luiz for his challenge on Marouane Fellaini in Chelsea’s 4-0 thumping of Manchester United.
That is the view of Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool player and manager Graeme Souness.
The Brazilian defender was only received a caution after his late high tackle on the Belgium midfielder just five minutes before the break.
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Atkinson was only five yards away from the incident, but deemed the challenge only worthy of a yellow.
The 29-year-old Chelsea ace had his boot way off the ground as the Manchester United man nicked in to take the ball away, and Luiz caught Fellaini with his studs on the way down to leave his opponents writhing in agony.
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Souness blasted the decision at half time, insisting that Luiz should have been dismissed over the incident.
He said: “That's not a difficult decision to make.
“If you look at where the referee is. He's getting a full view of it. Does he not see six studs showing there?
“Does he not see that? I've seen something, so I'm going to give him a yellow card."
“By the shape of David Luiz going for the ball, that is extremely high, showing six studs... it's a red card. Martin Atkinson has completely bottled it.”
Fellow Sky pundit and former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry was in agreement.
The Frenchman added: “It's massive... massive. We thought it was a bit strange.
“When we saw the replay, obviously we have a lot of opportunity, but the referee has a great view of it. I think that's a red.”
First half strikes from Pedro and Gary Cahill were followed by goals from Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante after the break as the Red Devils were smashed at Stamford Bridge.