For many England fans watching their country’s World Cup qualifier in Slovakia, Martin Škrtel will have been the most familiar face on the opposition teamsheet.
The centre-back might now be based in Turkey with Fenerbahçe, but he showed glimpses of the good, the bad and the ugly that made him such a divisive figure among Liverpool supporters during his time at Anfield.
Škrtel picked up a yellow card in the first half in Trnava and could have counted himself lucky to avoid a second yellow for a questionable challenge after the break.
But there was absolutely no question about the offence which led to his eventual dismissal before the hour mark.
With Harry Kane lying prone on the ground, Škrtel decided for some reason that a stamp would be the best course of action.
And he even gave himself a run-up, as if to leave the referee in absolutely no doubt.
Here's the stamp that saw Martin Skrtel receive his second yellow card pic.twitter.com/QnwBRvo924
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) September 4, 2016
The response from those watching the game was pretty unanimous. Almost everyone agreed that it was a completely mindless challenge – if we can even call it that – and that the only matter of debate was as to whether it should have been a straight red card instead of a second yellow.
Skrtel legitimately one of the most brainless defenders going. Hilariously thick.
— Liam Stoker (@LiamStoker) September 4, 2016
Skrtel should have been sent off about an hour ago. Thuggish, dimwitted performance. Good riddance. #SLOENG
— John Brewin (@JohnBrewin_) September 4, 2016
Martin Skrtel is as brainless a centre-back as they come.
— Ben McAleer (@BenMcAleer1) September 4, 2016
That's the intelligence, discipline, charm and style that have endeared Martin Skrtel to football fans everywhere.
— Jack Pitt-Brooke (@JackPittBrooke) September 4, 2016
Honestly Skrtel. Just…Just think man. Use at least some part of your brain
— Sam Parker (@SmParker8) September 4, 2016
Read more
