'That deserves a BIG ban!' Holgate is slammed for 'disgraceful' tackle on Mitoma

Mason Holgate became the quickest player to be sent of this season after he was dismissed just thirteen minutes into Sheffield United's clash with Brighton.

The on-loan Blades defender lunged into a tackle on Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma in the opening exchanges at Bramall Lane, in a collision that sparked outrage from the away side.

Holgate was initially shown a yellow card for the tackle before referee Stuart Atwell checked and after a second look on the VAR screen, the punishment was upgraded to a straight red for the defender.

The dismissal isn't just the quickest sending off of the season, but the earliest straight red card in the competition since Nathaniel Chalobah for Fulham v Newcastle in October 2022.

Fans were quick to condemn the defender on social media, with most suggesting that it was one of the nastiest tackles they'd seen this campaign.

'That’s one of the worst challenges I’ve ever seen from Mason Holgate. Deserves a big ban. Outrageous.' One fan immediately posted upon seeing the tackle.

Several posts echoed the same with out stating; 'That Holgate challenges is one of the worst I’ve ever seen goodness me.' While another said; 'Disgraceful challenge that from Holgate. Awful stuff.'

Another couldn't believe that the referee and not seen it was a red straight away before checking with VAR, and said; 'How’s the ref only give that a yellow initially? That was a horror tackle by Holgate!'

Holgate only joined Sheffield United on loan from Everton last month but has endured a difficult start to his career at Bramall Lane.

The Blades were thrashed 5-0 by Aston Villa on his debut for the club, and now his red card has come in only his second appearance for Chris Wilder's side.

The defender is no stranger to seeing red, in