Fans Claim James Trafford Deserved Red Card for Kung-Fu Style Challenge on Kudus
- Football fans flooded social media with strong reactions to James Trafford’s challenge on Mohammed Kudus
- Many argued the Manchester City goalkeeper was fortunate to escape punishment, insisting the incident warranted a straight red card
- Supporters described the tackle as reckless and dangerous, sparking heated debate online about refereeing decisions and VAR consistency
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Football fans are convinced James Trafford should have been shown a red card for his challenge on Mohammed Kudus during Manchester City's clash against Tottenham.
Kudus was handed another starting spot by Thomas Frank against the Premier League giants at the Etihad.
Source: Twitter
The Ghanaian impressed on his league debut for Tottenham last week, providing two assists in their 3-0 victory over Burnley.
His performance earned the manager’s trust, and he was included in the starting XI once again on Saturday morning against Pep Guadiola's side.
Trafford's challenge on Kudus
Tottenham opened the scoring through Brennan Johnson’s strike, and as City pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Spurs hit back on the counter with a long ball played into Kudus’ path.
Manchester City goalkeeper Trafford then clattered into Kudus as he rushed out of his box to intercept the ball.
The Ghanaian had brought it down on his chest just outside the area before Trafford collided with him.
Trafford’s onrushing right leg caught Kudus in the stomach, leaving the Spurs forward on the ground in pain and sparking outrage among the travelling fans.
To add to the controversy, replays appeared to show Trafford’s right arm knocking the ball away from Kudus’ path.
Fans react to Trafford's challenge on Kudus
Supporters watching from home were stunned that referee Peter Banks, and VAR, chose not to punish the goalkeeper.
One wrote on X:
"Surely that should be a red card for James Trafford?"
Another said:
"REPLAY SHOWS THAT JAMES TRAFFORD CLEARLY REMOVES THE BALL OUTSIDE THE BOX WITH HIS ARM!"
One remarked:
"That should've been a red. "A horror tackle and a handball outside the box from James Trafford."
And another said:
"James Trafford. How is that not a red?"
How Kudus can shine against Manchester City
YEN.com.gh earlier featured five possible ways Mohammed Kudus can shine in the Manchester City vs. Tottenham Premier League clash on Saturday.
The spotlight is on Spurs' summer signing from West Ham United for the right reasons following his impressive league debut against Burnley, matching a Tottenham record which was only held by James Maddison.
Source: YEN.com.gh
