Martinez Defends Mirallas Red Card Incident

Everton manager Roberto Martinez defended Kevin
Mirallas after the winger was sent off within minutes
of coming on against Swansea City.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has backed Kevin Mirallas
after the winger was sent off in injury time against Swansea
City.

Mirallas' high challenge on Modou Barrow earned him a straight
red card from referee Stuart Attwell, just moments after he had
been sent on as a late substitute.

Martinez admitted the official had little choice but to send him
off, but refused to criticise his player.

"It's not much of a decision for the referee," said the Spaniard
following Saturday's 0-0 Premier League draw.

"I always tell my subs to come on and give a real intensity, so I
was pleased with the manner of Kevin Mirallas coming onto the
pitch.

"I thought it was more a case of a striker trying to defend and
maybe putting in a challenge that looked worse than it actually
was."

He added: "It was his first challenge, and sometimes you need to
have a little bit more common sense. It was more my demand
of having Kevin fired up in terms of getting the tempo of the
game, because it's difficult when you come on so late.

"I'm disappointed with the action, but not with the manner."