Originally Posted by
WTF11
Honestly not disagreeing with you for the sake of it, but I don't see how it can be a red (even a yellow), unless there is now going to be another rule introduced that you can't challenge for a ball if it's above knee high (and no, again I'm honestly not being obtuse).
I have my doubts about Cooper, but on this occasion, he challenged for what at the time of the challenge was a 50/50 ball, clearly played the ball and cleared it. It is physically impossible to play a ball at that height, in that position and at that speed, without some form of follow through, the laws of physics demand it and even Bielsa can't trump that. It wasn't a reckless challenge, it wasn't two-footed (as you mention with Baldock the previous week), the ball was played well in advance of any contact with the attacking player, there was no malice (as there was with Sterling), simply a defender defending robustly but fairly when confronted with a 50/50 ball.
Having said all that, I tend to agree with others that a period without Cooper might be interesting, allowing/forcing changes that could bear on what might be our back four next season. Of course there is always the possibility that club will appeal the red, so he might be back next week!