Source: Daily_Mail
Graham Poll: Jermain Defoe's sending off was harsh but it wasn't wrong
Jermain Defoe's 27th-minute dismissal was certainly harsh but it wasn't wrong.[LNB] The first viewing of the incident, at full speed, showed the Tottenham striker jumping with a leading arm into James Collins's face.[LNB] Controversy: Jermaine Defoe clashes in the air with James Collins[LNB] The Aston Villa defender's head snapped back and - certainly from the side view, which assistant Peter Kirkup had - it looked like a straightforward dismissal. [LNB]Referee Martin Atkinson had little choice but to show his eighth red card of this Barclays Premier League season, after consulting with Kirkup, if the advice was to dismiss.[LNB] The TV analysis of footage played at various speeds, which questioned the decision, was flawed in law.[LNB] Off you go: Jermain Defoe is shown the red card by ref Martin Atkinson[LNB] The question should not be the level of intent. No one could question whether Defoe intended for his arm to be in the air.[LNB] The decision must be based on whether the 28-year-old's action was violent, as the red card could only have been shown for violent conduct.[LNB] With the benefit of the replays, perhaps a yellow card would have satisfied all parties. [LNB] Villa 1 Tottenham 2: Brilliant Van der Vaart at the double for ten-man SpursRamsey and Bale move closer to Olympic contention with GB team[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Graham Poll, Jermain Defoe, Martin Atkinson
