Why James Trafford Avoided Red Card for Challenge on Mohammed Kudus
- Supporters were left furious after James Trafford’s knee-first collision with Mohammed Kudus went unpunished by the referee
- Although VAR reviewed the incident, officials decided there was no case for intervention, leaving many baffled
- The final explanation was that Trafford’s actions did not meet the criteria for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity
James Trafford endured a nightmare first half on his Manchester City home debut against Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium.
Thomas Frank’s side went into the break two goals ahead thanks to strikes from Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha.
Source: Twitter
The 22-year-old goalkeeper was at fault for Spurs’ second, gifting the ball away inside his own box before Pape Matar Sarr pounced and set up Palhinha to score.
However, many felt the England U21 shot-stopper was fortunate to even remain on the pitch by that stage.
James Trafford’s challenge on Mohammed Kudus
Just moments after Spurs had taken a 1-0 lead, James Trafford charged out of his box to challenge Kudus, who was racing through on goal.
After bringing the ball down on his chest, Kudus appeared to be caught high by the goalkeeper’s knee, while replays suggested Trafford also handled the ball outside his area.
The Ghanaian was left on the ground in pain as City regained possession, but no free-kick was awarded and Trafford escaped punishment.
While the clash itself sparked debate, it was the apparent handball outside the box that left many questioning whether the keeper should have been sent off.
Why wasn’t Trafford punished?
The referee allowed play to continue and the incident was later checked by VAR, who confirmed the on-field decision.
While every incident is reviewed in the VAR room, only those considered clear errors are referred back to the referee.
According to BBC Sport, officials felt Trafford’s hands were close to his body and that the contact was not deliberate enough to warrant intervention.
It’s also important to note that handling the ball outside the box is not automatically a red card.
Referees must consider factors such as whether an obvious goalscoring chance was denied, the distance from goal, the direction of play, and the presence of covering defenders before deciding on a dismissal.
Fans react to Trafford's challenge on Kudus
Fans took to social media to ask why 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?"
Kudus receives high praise from Tottenham boss
In a related report, YEN.com.gh shared that Mohammed Kudus received high praise from his Tottenham boss following his standout performance against Manchester City.
Frank pointed out specific aspects of Kudus’ game that impressed him most, even though the Ghanaian is yet to find the net in three competitive outings.
Source: YEN.com.gh
