West Ham manager David Moyes has described Tomas Soucek being sent off late on in their Premier League game against Fulham on Saturday evening as 'disappointing.'
The Czech Republic midfielder was shown a straight red card for violent conduct by referee Mike Dean after he came into contact with striker Aleksander Mitrovic during the buildup to a West Ham free-kick.
Dean was asked by VAR official Lee Mason to review the incident on the pitchside monitor, which he did, before sending Soucek off.
David Moyes’ side appealed the decision on Sunday and the card was overturned on Monday, allowing him to be available for their fifth-round FA Cup tie with Manchester United on Tuesday evening.
Tomas Soucek was sent off late in West Ham's 0-0 draw with Fulham for this incident 🟥 pic.twitter.com/DMjddNt4Kx
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 6, 2021
Speaking in a press conference ahead of the FA Cup game, Moyes was asked for his thoughts on what happened.
"My reflections are that I'm disappointed with football in general, that the officials involved would allow these situations to take over the game.
"The first question's about that. Given the decision, there was no decision to give.
"I think every footballer's got a responsibility to do the correct thing.
"I feel that officials are giving footballers the opportunity to gain success in some way from their actions. The only people who can stop it are the officials.
"If players are going to be successful, gaining an advantage in the game, we can't let that happen."
Meanwhile, Dean has asked not to be involved in any Premier League matches next weekend after death threats against him were sent to family members following the game.
He has reported the threats to the police and will still take charge of the FA Cup tie between Leicester and Brighton in the FA Cup on Wednesday night.
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