Mason Holgate’s former team-mate turns on him after horror challenge on Kaoru Mitoma and demands punishment

GERARD DEULOFEU has turned on former team-mate Mason Holgate for his horror challenge on Kaoru Mitoma.

The on-loan Sheffield United defender was shown a straight red card in Sunday's 5-0 loss to Brighton.

Holgate's reckless studs up lunge saw him catch Mitoma above the knee.

His challenge has since been slammed by fans and pundits, with Deulofeu the latest to speak out.

He called for an additional ban on top of the three-match suspension Holgate will receive for the straight red card.

The ex-Everton winger wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "This boy has been a teammate of mine but I see this and my heart breaks because I am experiencing it first-hand.

"We must begin to sanction this type of tackle in an exemplary and appropriate manner. IT IS INADMISSIBLE."

Deulofeu is currently sidelined following knee surgery, which has kept him out since January 2023.

The Udinese man previously played with Holgate at Everton, making four appearances alongside him.

He made a total of 127 Premier League appearances for Watford and Everton before moving to Italy in 2021.

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Meanwhile, Holgate has played three times since joining the Blades on loan for the rest of the season in January.

Sunday's defeat was his second 5-0 defeat across those matches, coming either side of an away win over Luton.

He is now set to miss the fixtures against Wolves, Arsenal and Bournemouth through suspension.