The 31-year-old was sent off just 35 minutes into his Sheffield United debut for a wild challenge on Alan Browne
06:53, 10 Feb 2026Updated 08:58, 10 Feb 2026
Joe Rothwell
Chris Wilder believes Joe Rothwell‘s tortuous stint at Rangers played a factor in his straight red card just 35 minutes into his nightmare Sheffield United debut.
The 31-year-old was given his marching orders for a wild challenge on Middlesbrough’s Alan Browne with the Blades chasing the game at 2-1 down.
Rothwell appeared shocked at the instant dismissal, however, that feeling wasn’t shared with onlookers with BBC Tees branding it a “disgraceful challenge.”
The nightmare start for the former Bournemouth and Leeds man comes fresh of an ill-fated stint in Ibrox where he appeared incapable of coping with both the pace and demands of Ibrox life.
Rothwell was a summer signing for doomed Rangers boss Russell Martin and Wilder reckons the emotions during his nightmare stint in Glasgow came rushing out during a moment of madness on his Sheffield United bow.
Speaking to SUTV, Wilder said: “Joe is extremely disappointed with himself, maybe a touch of frustration of a time away not playing first team football. It’s a mistimed tackle and I’ve got no arguments about the decision made by the ref.”
Rothwell will now serve a minimum three-game ban with EFL chiefs able to weigh up to see whether any further punishment should be added.
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