Letters: Red intent

Sir: I cannot understand why there is a debate about the sending- off of Southampton's Claus Lundekvam at Villa Park last Saturday. The fact that the linesman had flagged for another infringement was completely unknown to Lundekvam who went in with intent to commit a foul and the intent is what counts, not whether the ball is still live or not.

If a player kicks another in the penalty area while waiting for a corner or free-kick to be taken, the award is still a penalty and probably a red card - you don't say "oh, no problem mate, the ball is out of play at the moment - hit him again, why don't you?"

Lundekvam sought to break the laws, had no chance of getting the ball and, regardless of the state of play, deserved his punishment.

NIGEL CUBBAGE

Markyate, Herts