SunSport columnist Roy Keane said: “In the Euros that would have
been a straight red card.
“You just can’t afford to tackle like that at international
level.”
But new England boss Roy Hodgson claimed it was just the type of
tackle he wants to see his players make.
He said: “It was a fair tackle. There was no intent to injure
the player and Stevie’s studs weren’t up. It was a strong and brave
challenge and the type I hope our players put in at the Euros
because it shows their commitment.”
Norway boss Egil Olsen said: “We don’t know how serious the
injury to Hogli is but I don’t think it is too bad.
“Was it a sending off? I’m not a referee.”
Former England midfield hardman Peter Reid said: “I would have
been proud of making a challenge like that back in my
day.
“But these days you cannot get away with it. As the ball ran
loose we were all shouting out ‘stay on your feet, stay on your
feet’. But Stevie didn’t and I think he was lucky.”
Ex-Three Lions defender Gareth Southgate added: “Seven or eight
years ago that would have been deemed a harsh but fair tackle. The
intent was to get the ball and it was a full, thrusting
tackle.
“These days, though, there is a real risk of a red card. We
might see those sort of tackles quite regularly in the Premier
League but it will be different in the Euros.
“I would say he could very well have been sent off if he’d have
tackled like that in the Euros.” Gerrard, who claimed he got the
ball first, was not even cautioned by German ref Michael
Weiner.
He could clearly be seen telling the referee: “It was a fair
tackle.”
But England’s skipper was substituted by Hodgson at half-time
and replaced by Gareth Barry.
With Wayne Rooney already banned for the first two games at Euro
2012, Hodgson must be relieved he has also not now lost another key
player for the tournament.
The manager’s first game in charge of his country ended in
victory thanks to Ashley Young’s excellent ninth-minute finish.