It's not as bad as it looks. He is clearly going for the ball, misses it and unfortunately hits the player. A bit reckless, probably excessive force, and a clear red card, but it is a bit unlucky. I think people is giving him a too hard time because I can't see any intent there. Comparing it to Keane against Håland, as somone did, is ridiculous. Keane had been planning that for years.
can't agree at all.
firstly, it doesnt matter if hes going for the ball. second, it doesnt matter if theres intent there either.
the real deciding factor is, was it reckless and excessive. and this tackle attempt 100% was both these things.
the thing about tackles like this is, it gives haidara absolutely no chance of challenging for the ball. if he does get to the ball a split second before mcmanaman, hell get a very dangerous studs-up foot go straight through him. so the only option left for haidara is to avoid the tackle. which he chooses to do as you can see in the last split second. however, mcmanamn's tackle was so dangerous that he got clattered anyways.
although it doesnt matter, regarding if there was intent, i obviously do not know, but i would guess yes.
did mcmanaman mean to break haidara's leg? probably not
but did he mean to hurt him and "leave a mark", almost certainly yes.
this is the kind of tackle that gareth bale tries to avoid and often gets called a diver for. and also, if i remember correctly, this is how both eduardo and aaron ramsey broke their legs. simply because the opponent had no regard for the safety and welfare of the opponent, and didnt care about the consequences of their reckless actions.
this was disgusting tackle, and its an absolute disgrace that people like dave whelan are attempting to justify it.