Mohammed Fuseini should have been sent off in Derby County’s 2-1 loss at Birmingham City on Saturday due to an off-the-ball incident.

Keith Hackett, former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, told Football Insider exclusively that his push on Alex Cochrane was severe and should have resulted in a red card.

The Rams suffered their third consecutive defeat in the Championship.

However, it could have been far worse if referee John Busby had chosen to send off Fuseini for a clash with Cochrane.

After the Derby player passed the ball, the Blues star pushed Fuseini in the back.

The winger then spun around and pushed Cochrane to the ground, with the Rams forward receiving only a yellow card for his actions.

Keith Hackett: Mohammed Fuseini should’ve been sent off against Birmingham City.
Hackett spoke exclusively to Football Insider about why he thought Fuseini should have received a red card instead of a yellow for his altercation with Birmingham City’s Cochrane.

He stated that the player’s push was an act of violent conduct and that he should have received a red card.

“The player who instigated the first offence should receive a yellow card.”

Fortunately, this had little impact on the outcome, as the Blues rallied from behind to win all three points at Pride Park in the early kick-off on Saturday.

Did Birmingham deserve to beat Derby?

When it comes to statistics, Birmingham were undeniably the better team on Saturday.

Overall, the Blues enjoyed 41% possession, 18 shots (nine on target), a 3.05 xG, and five great chances.

In comparison, Derby had 59% possession, 18 shots, four of which were on goal, a 1.01 xG, and three significant chances.

Despite the red card debate, the Blues received what they deserved and enhanced their promotion chances early in the season.

However, it remains to be seen whether Derby can recover from yet another setback, with the Rams still in the relegation zone after seven games and a poor start to the new season.