Fans baffled as referee dishes out very rare punishment to Wolves star after horror tackle in FA Cup game with Brentford

BEMUSED fans fear it’s the shape of things to come – after a Wolves player was given a red CIRCLE for a shock ninth-minute dismissal.

And referee Tony Harrington’s decision to even send off Joao Gomes for his challenge on Brentford skipper Christian Norgaard in Friday’s 1-1 FA Cup stalemate was roundly condemned.

The debate over Gomes’ punishment was given a whole new sphere by what the ref produced from his pocket.

Many fans were expecting a yellow card after the Brazilian caught his midfield counterpart from behind.

But Harrington judged it worthy of a straight dismissal because it was a reckless lunge from behind – with VAR backing his verdict.

Out came a small circular red card – sparking derision and incredulity in equal measure from viewers.

One joked: “More upset about the red circle than the decision.”

Another posted: “A red circle instead of a red card. The beautiful game is dying.”

And some fans blended the two big issues, with one saying: “Should have been a yellow circle, not a red circle.”

The sending-off itself was blasted as “incredibly soft” and “another ridiculous decision”.