Mason Holgate’s red card cost Sheffield United dearly, as they were beaten 5-0 by Brighton and Hove Albion at Bramall Lane on Sunday.
Goals from Facundo Buonanotte, Danny Welbeck, a brace from Simon Adingra, as well as a Jack Robinson own goal, sealed a routine win for the Seagulls in South Yorkshire.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side moved up to seventh place in the Premier League table and back in the European places.
But defeat for Sheffield United meant the Blades remained rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, seven points adrift of 17th placed Luton Town and safety.
Everton supporters react to “Agent Holgate”
The game was flipped on its head in the 13th minute when Mason Holgate was sent off for a reckless challenge on Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma.
Holgate initially received a yellow card for the challenge but it was upgraded to a red card after a VAR check.
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The 27-year-old, who joined the club on loan from relegation rivals Everton in the January transfer window, was making just his third Premier League appearance for his new club.
"It's one of the worst tackles I've seen in years" 😨Jamie Redknapp says Mason Holgate's tackle on Kaoru Mitoma was 'scandalous'. pic.twitter.com/6PDmlG0Oyx
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 18, 2024
And given his parent club are also in the relegation zone with Sheffield United and in a battle to avoid dropping to the Championship, too. Toffees fans were understandably delighted with the actions of their defender.
One Everton fan tweeted: “Agent Holgate doing good work again,” while another fan tweeted: “Agent Holgate is taking his mission to help the Blues stay up seriously.”
And another Everton fan joked: “Secret Agent Holgate needs to be a bit more subtle or his cover may be blown.”