Yves Bissouma challenge compared to a wrestling move as he’s sent off for backward kick in the FACE

Yves Bissouma challenge compared to a wrestling move as he’s sent off for backward kick in the FACE on Jamal Lewis following VAR review… after referee Kevin Friend uses pitchside monitors to watch gruesome incident at close quarters

  • Yves Bissouma was sent off in the 89th minute as Brighton won 3-0 at Newcastle
  • The Brighton midfielder caught Jamal Lewis in the face with the back of his boot
  • Referee Kevin Friend consulted a pitchside monitor to review the shocking clash
  • Fans likened the acrobatic incident to a wrestling move as Bissouma departed

Yves Bissouma was dismissed for a reckless challenge on Jamal Lewis during Brighton‘s Premier League win at Newcastle after referee Kevin Friend consulted a pitchside monitor following a check by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

Technology intervened with a minute of normal time remaining after Albion midfielder Bissouma caught opponent Lewis in the face with his studs as he moved his leg up and backwards behind him while the pair competed for the ball.

The video replay looked horrifying as unfortunate defender Lewis looked to have been caught full in the face at force by the underside of Bissouma’s boot.

Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma was sent off for a wild challenge on Jamal Lewis on Sunday

Experienced official Friend was told to take another look at the clash on a monitor by the sidelines, reviewing the ugly incident several times in slow motion before changing Bissouma’s punishment from a yellow card to a straight red.

The Malian playmaker looked concerned for Lewis even after he received his marching orders.

Both players had slumped to the turf in obvious pain as a result of the challenge, although Lewis eventually rose to his feet and was able to continue after having a black bandage wrapped around his head to ensure the bleeding was stemmed.

Fans on social media likened the challenge by Bissouma, who had played an important part in his side’s comfortable victory, to an acrobatic wrestling move.

Many viewers were reminded of legendary American wrestler Shawn Michaels, who was known for his wild finishes for the entertainment of television audiences.

One called the move a ‘beautiful tribute’ to the revered wrestler, while others debated whether Bissouma deserved his punishment.

Former Premier League winner Chris Sutton called the red card a ‘joke’.