‘Never’ – Alan Brazil & Ally McCoist argue live on talkSPORT after West Ham controversy

Alan Brazil and Ally McCoist argue live on talkSPORT after West Ham controversy v Bristol City

Alex Crook, Ally McCoist and Alan Brazil argued live on air about the decision to award Said Benrahama a red card for kicking out during the 1-0 FA Cup defeat for West Ham against Bristol City.

Somehow, McCoist suggested the Hammers winger shouldn’t have been sent off for the offence, claiming City midfielder Joe Williams had overreacted to get him the red card.

Brazil and Crook were baffled by the shout, insisting it was a blatant red card, with Benrahma having kicked Williams in the midriff while he was on the floor.

Crook hit out at the Hammers man live on talkSPORT [17 January, 07:13], saying: “Benrahma, I don’t know what he’s thinking. I think he’s a player with a lot of quality, and yet for some reason, he puts on a West Ham shirt and just doesn’t show it in enough abundance to stay in the team.

“He gets this chance against Bristol City and he kicks out while he’s on the floor.” Brazil then interrupted, saying: “I thought it was a red, Ally wasn’t sure.”

Crook then continued: “I can’t understand where people are coming from saying it’s not a red. It’s a two-footed kick out at an opponent in the midriff, how is that not a red card? Whatever you think it is, he’s sent him off.”

McCoist tried to explain himself, claiming: “I was actually just a bit disappointed in the reaction from Williams more than anything else. I didn’t say it wasn’t a red card…”

Brazil interrupted again: “You said to me it wasn’t a red,” and McCoist finally responded: “I never.” Before rapidly changing the subject.

It was a blatant red card

How McCoist could suggest that Benrahma should somehow not have seen red for what was a blatant kick with his studs straight into Williams’ stomach is baffling, it’s one of the most obvious decisions you’ll ever see.

The winger has completely lost his head, let himself and the club down, and ultimately played a part in the Hammers being knocked out of a competition they would have been hoping to win and add further domestic silverware to their cabinet.

It’s an almost irredeemable offence, given the speculation already circling about his long-term future at the London Stadium, and could now push the club to throw him out the exit door when that opportunity arises.

The kick out was a petulant and pathetic move from a player who has completely failed to live up to expectations since joining the Hammers, and it’s difficult to see a way back for him in the estimations of the fans, despite McCoist’s shock verdict.