Keane Calls Awoniyi's Red Card Harsh After Coventry Loss

On 14 September 2026, Roy Keane defended Taiwo Awoniyi after the Coventry City striker received a red card from referee Tony Harrington during a Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion. The incident occurred in the 53rd minute when Awoniyi caught Brighton’s Maxim De Cuyper in the face with his elbow while contesting a high ball.

Harrington issued a straight red card, a decision supported by VAR, with Coventry already trailing 2-0. Keane, analyzing the incident on Sky Sports, described the punishment as harsh, suggesting that the contact appeared to be an unfortunate result of a jump rather than a deliberate act.

Despite his defense, Keane acknowledged that Awoniyi's action left the referee with little choice, framing it as a lesson for players. This red card marked Awoniyi's first in the Premier League, resulting in a three-match ban that excludes him from upcoming fixtures against Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, and Newcastle United.