Ex-Premier League referee weighs in Douglas Luiz ‘second yellow’ debate in Luton Town vs Aston Villa

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes Michael Oliver was correct not to send Douglas Luiz off against Luton Town.

Aston Villa survived a second-half scare to beat the Hatters 3-2 at Kenilworth Road. Despite storming to a comfortable half-time lead through an Ollie Watkins double, Luton fought back to level proceedings after the break.

Unai Emery’s men looked as though they had blown the chance to open up a five-point lead on Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League race. That was until Lucas Digne fired home an 89th-minute winner to snatch the win and cement their top-four spot.

But some home supporters felt as though Villa were lucky to finish the game with 10 men. Luton talisman Ross Barkley skipped past Luiz - who brought him down when already on a yellow card.

Hatters supporters online claimed the Brazilian had prevented a threatening attack - a hot topic in recent weeks. IFAB had confirmed that blue cards, equating to a sin bin, would be trialled to punish “tactical” fouls.

Luiz’s challenge on Barkley could be categorised as such but referee Oliver decided against sending him off. The midfielder - who set up Watkins’ second goal - went unpunished as Villa went on to win.

Speaking to Ref Watch on Sky Sports, ex-official Gallagher dismissed suggestions he should have been dismissed. The 66-year-old said: "Is he breaking up a promising attack? I'd say no. It's a foul. Just because a player is on a yellow doesn't mean the next one is a red card."