West Ham captain Mark Noble believes it was right that Anwar El Ghazi was not shown a red card on Monday night after he clashed with Aston Villa team-mate Tyrone Mings.
In an extraordinary incident, El Ghazi pushed his head into Mings in what could easily have been construed as violent conduct.
The Dutchman had reacted angrily after England defender Mings called him out for not tracking back but went unpunished by referee Mike Dean, following a VAR check.
Noble had no issue with the decision and said he does not want to lose “that winning mentality and aggression” he feels is an important part of the game.
“I didn’t know [El Ghazi] headbutted [Mings], but you do not want to see players getting sent off for a coming together with one of their own players,” said Noble.
“It would have helped us out but I do not think something like that should be a red card.
“It is nice to see that winning mentality and aggression. I like that and I do not want to take that out of the game.
“It is in the heat of the moment and about wanting to win. I think it was Tyrone telling him that he was not doing his job. That is what happens in games.”
The bust-up was the biggest talking point as West Ham left Villa Park with a hard-fought point at the end of a breathless but goalless draw.
