the only purpose of this sort of tackle is to hurt or in some way intimidate the recipient: "let 'im know you're around, son" - you can almost hear the manager saying it during the pre-match talk. life bans are not long enough for these violent thugs.

Pete, Hull,

He dived.

Bremner, Leeds,

Mr Bridges from Chesham, have you actually compared the footage of the two tackles? If you had then you would see that the pogatetz tackle was 2 footed off the ground and didnt win the ball, where as davies' was a one footed which collected both man and ball and was committed at ground level.

Andrew Smith, Bournemouth,

Only 10 days since the assault committed by Guthrie on Craig Fagan at St. James Park. He received a 3 game ban and Fagan has broken his leg and will miss many more games. The FA stated that they will only increase the ban in exceptional circumstances - surely both these tackles qualifiy as such!!

Roger, Les Gets, France

First of all, disgusting challenge. There's no place in the game for it, and the red card is deserved. No doubt.

What I find incredible though, is the level of press this has got, compared to the challenge on the young Hull City striker last week.

As ever, the press favour United.

Kev H, London, UK

Let's be clear, if it had been a MU, Arsenal, Chelsea, or Liverpool player who had committed that tackle, then ARGUED in disbelief that he had been punished (alongside equally outraged colleagues surrounding the ref), there would be absolute hell to pay. I await the fallout from this.

Chris, Worthing, England

There is clearly no place for this in the game. However, what was Ferguson's reaction to his teams captain when he dealt out similar to Haaland and then had the audacity to declare intent in is autobiography!!!! Standards anyone.....make mine a double.

graham, melbourne, australia

This tackle was very similar to the one delivered by Kevin Davies on Gael Clichy last week. A "a good old-fashioned tackle" claimed Mark Lawrenson on MOTD dismissing Wenger's complaints! In both cases the tackles were dangerous even if the ball was played first. Red Card.

David Bridges, Chesham, UK

Poga

I am absolutely in chock after viewing your attack on the young guy from Manchester United. Your claim for innosence was utterly pathetic. If you have any honour you volunteerly ban yourself for the same amount of time as you put the poor fellow out of action

Maniche, Copenhagen, Denmark

I was at the game and had a good view of the challenge - it was sickening. You could hear the impact!
I Hope Rodrigo is okay, he, along with Rafael and Fabio are going to be a top top players!
Well done Boro, who have some good young players too. They were let down by their captains rashness.

Nick, Manchester,