John McGinn looked shocked to be shown a red card on Sunday (Picture: Getty Images)

Ollie Watkins reckons John McGinn’s red card against Tottenham on Sunday was harsh, with the Aston Villa captain now set to be banned for three games.

It was a nightmare afternoon for the Villains, losing 4-0 at home to Spurs and the Scottish midfielder being shown a straight red card in the process.

The home team were 2-0 down and frustrated, illustrated by McGinn’s reckless kick out at Destiny Udogie, making no attempt to play the ball and felling the Tottenham full-back.

He could have got away with a yellow card on another day but could have little complaint as it could scarcely be described as a tackle, more a blatant kick out at his opponent.
However, Watkins felt his captain was unlucky and is very disappointed to lose him for the games to come.

‘The sending off I think is harsh,’ said the England striker. ‘Obviously it looks a little bit reckless because it’s in front of their bench and a big reaction from their side. It’s obviously a tough one to take.

‘If someone says you lose the game but you finish with 10 men then I’d take that. John McGinn is so important for us. That’s the biggest nail in the coffin, losing him for three games.’

Straight RED card for John McGinn 🟥 pic.twitter.com/tVk3Jw6YCb— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 10, 2024

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