Goalkeeper Marco Bizot was sent off in bizarre fashion during Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie between Aston Villa and Newcastle United. It sparked chaos on the Villa Park pitch just before the half-time whistle, following a first half that had been marred by refereeing drama. 

Villa were caught out by a Newcastle counter attack, with Bizot finding himself way outside of the penalty area as the Magpies players began flooding forward. Not knowing whether to come or go, the shot-stopper opted to challenge Jacob Murphy for the ball, but ended up slicing him in half instead.

Speaking as part of the BBC’s coverage, Wayne Rooney said: “He’s caught in such a bad situation, Villa have left him exposed and [Jacob] Murphy has a good touch. He’s in no man’s land, it’s violent conduct. Clear red.”

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer added: “He was caught in no man’s land, it could’ve been a denial of a goalscoring opportunity, it could’ve been violent conduct. It’s just a crazy tackle.”

On the earlier incident involving Digne, Shearer remarked: “I think it’s a red card. He’s endangering his opponent. He’s high, he’s late. Very lucky to get away with it. He’s about four yards from the assistant referee, the referee deems it to be a yellow. I think he’s lucky, catches him high, it’s dangerous.”

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