Watford manager Valerien Ismael said that Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy was ‘very lucky’ not to be sent off in their match on Saturday afternoon.
The Foxes claimed a 2-0 victory over the Hornets, with Vardy scoring in the 76th minute to give City the lead.
The 36-year-old then scored a penalty in injury time to secure the three points, with Watford goalkeeper Daniel Bachman being given his marching order after receiving a second yellow card for fouling Vardy inside the box.
Ismael fuming with referee over Leicester striker
Speaking after the game in his post-match press conference, relayed by the Leicester Mercury, Watford boss Ismael claimed that Vardy was ‘very lucky’ to still be on the pitch after escaping a yellow card with a foul on Watford defender Wesley Hoedt.
“(He was) very lucky.
“Very, very lucky. I spoke with the official and he explained that Vardy got a yellow card for kicking the ball away. Our player kicked the ball away only one yard, and he got a yellow card (as well). Okay, I understand, he has a clear line and I’ll follow it.
“Then there’s the situation with Wesley Hoedt. It’s a foul on him. It’s clear, you see the picture. But the situation just after is exactly the same and it’s a free-kick and a yellow card for our player. Then I asked: ‘What is your line now?’
“The first one is a clear foul and it’s a yellow card, and if it’s a yellow card, he should be sent off. Everyone saw it on the pitch and the feeling is a strange feeling.
“On one line, you stay straight, and we can follow. Then with the other, this one is a yellow, but this is play on. It was really strange to take that decision.”
Vardy needs to be careful in future
Vardy’s two goals saved Leicester after it looked like Saturday was not going to be their day.
But the veteran did get away with what was a bad challenge on Hoedt, which could have easily been the end of Vardy’s day.
He has to make sure in future that he is careful so he does not get suspended and ultimately cost his team points.
But if Vardy were to be suspended, manager Enzo Maresca would have plenty of options with the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, Patson Daka and Tom Cannon amongst their ranks.