Dermot Gallagher: 'Stoke City midfielder Charlie Adam deserved red card'

Former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher has praised Martin Atkinson's decision to send off Stoke City midfielder Charlie Adam.

During the first half of the Premier League fixture with Everton, Adam mistimed a challenge with Wayne Rooney and was handed a straight red card by the referee.

After the match, Stoke manager Paul Lambert said that he could understand Atkinson's decision, and Gallagher feels that it was the right call to dismiss the Scot.

Gallagher told Sky Sports News: "If you're a young referee learning, you think 'heavy touch, be aware of the player over-reaching for the ball' and that's exactly what he does.

"He's left the ground and over-reached with a straight leg and he's caught Rooney with his studs. I think Atkinson is absolutely correct to send him off."

Adam has apologised for his dismissal, which helped Everton register a 2-1 win at the bet365 Stadium.