Watford boss Javi Gracia has slammed the decision to send Jose Holebas off in Sunday’s 4-1 defeat at home to West Ham United.
Having just got back into the game at 2-1 through Gerard Deulofeu’s strike, the Hornets were handed a massive blow when former Greece international Holebas was given a straight red card for an altercation with Michail Antonio.
On the word of his assistant referee Dan Cook, Chris Kavanagh sent the Watford left-back down the tunnel after a hand on the shoulder of Antonio sent the West Ham forward crashing to the ground.
As things stand, Holebas will miss the FA Cup final against Manchester City but Gracia launched into a passionate defence of his defender in the post-match press conference, revealing an appeal will be lodged. “It wasn’t a foul,” he said. “It wasn’t a foul.
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There was a lot of fouls in the game. It was same with the action with Torreira [against Arsenal].
In the next games there were similar actions and it wasn’t even a yellow card. “It wasn’t a yellow card and for sure it wasn’t a red.
After two days, they say it is possible it [other sendings off] were a mistake, but I don’t want that.”
