Salomon Rondon explains brainless red card that torpedoed Everton fightback hopes against Brentford

Everton striker Salomon Rondon has issued an apology on social media and explained his actions after his bizarre red card against Brentford.

Everton have endured an abysmal season by their standards and currently reside in 16th, two points above the drop. They have enjoyed a mini-revival under Frank Lampard of late, winning four and drawing two of their last 10.

However, a 3-2 defeat at home to Brentford on Sunday saw their first chance at securing their safety go begging. The Toffees were ahead not once but twice and yet, they still managed to lose against the Bees.

The result, however, was not helped by Everton’s ill discipline with both Jarrad Branthwaite and Rondon sent off during the game.

Branthwaite’s dismissal came when getting caught out by Ivan Toney as the last man. Rondon’s red card, however, was rather more mind boggling.

The Venezuelan was on the pitch for just four minutes before making a lunging two-footed tackle on Rico Henry. The only impact he made on the contest was with the Brentford full-back’s shin.

That dismissal reduced Everton to nine men and all but ended their hopes of scoring a late equaliser.

The striker has since released a statement on Instagram to explain his actions.

Rondon “truly sorry” for costly red card

“I’ll always give my all on the pitch,” said Rondon (via the Liverpool Echo). “I always want to help my club, teammates and fans.

“I tried to do that today and know that I wasn’t up to it in one incident and am truly sorry.  My apologies from the bottom of my heart to the whole @Everton family.”

Rondon will now miss the remainder of the Premier League season through suspension.

Who will be relegated?

Everton, Leeds and Burnley are all battling to sustain their Premier League status. Burnley have gained 12 points from their last five games, but are currently placed 18th.

Everton, on the other hand, have not been in this situation in recent years so their willingness to fight will be thoroughly tested.

Both Everton and Burnley have an extra game to play than Leeds and it’s hard to see either losing both games.

Leeds face Brentford on the final day which, on paper seems like the ‘easiest’ fixture. Burnley are facing Newcastle whereas Everton have Arsenal.

This season is set to be one of the greatest Premier League finals days of recent memory but we feel that Leeds will be the team to go down.

Their lack of squad depth due to injuries and suspensions will be too much for them to keep Brentford out. The Bees’ tails will also be up after a come-from-behind victory against Everton.