Kaoru Mitoma was fortunate to escape injury when he was fouled by Mason Holgate.

That was the view of Match Of The Day pundits as they condemned a “terrible” challenge.

Holgate was sent off for his lunge in the 13th minute of the Seagulls’ 5-0 win at Sheffield United.

Former England striker Alan Shearer told BBC viewers: “It was a terrible, terrible challenge.

“It was going to be a very difficult day anyway for Sheffield United.

“Mason Holgate made it into an impossible day for Sheffield United.

“It’s an awful challenge.

“No doubt about it that it deserved a red card.

“Because it was early on in the game, I think it was one of those challenges where you think, ‘I’ve got the chance to get the ball and do the man as well here’.

“But he completely misses the ball and the follow through is so high it’s incredibly dangerous.”

Fellow pundit Leon Osman said: “I’m not sure I’ve seen a worse tackle - certainly this season.

“He has certainly put an opponent’s career in danger."