Mick: Tackle under threat

WOLVES manager Mick McCarthy believes it will be to the detriment of the game if the tackle which resulted in midfielder Nenad Milijas’ sending off at Arsenal in midweek is outlawed.

Milijas lost his appeal to the Football Association against the red card for the challenge on Gunners playmaker Mikel Arteta and will serve a three-game ban starting with today’s clash at Bolton.

McCarthy took the unusual step at his pre-match media conference of screening incidents from the Arsenal match and inviting opinions from journalists.

But he is adamant Milijas’ challenge was fair and claims referee Stuart Attwell could not see the incident clearly.

McCarthy said: “I think the fabric of the British game is based on people tackling. I think Milijas has made a really good tackle. I don’t think Stuart Attwell can see that. He has guessed at it.

“Their players actually carry on. We have got a lad whose foot is on the floor. He’s not jumped. His foot is on the floor. He has slid in. He’s got his studs up because that’s what you do.

“If ever there is a picture of someone getting the ball, that’s it.”

McCarthy added: “The fabric of our game is based on tackles. That’s why people come and watch because it’s exciting because people are tackled.

“Look, in that atmosphere anyone can make a mistake. But why then compound that mistake by agreeing with it?

“Surely for the honesty and integrity of the game it shouldn’t be a three-match ban. That’s my view.”