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Exclusive: Brighton Take Positives from Mark O’Mahony’s Tottenham Flashpoint – Aggression Applauded Despite Red Card Scare in Pre-Season Clash
Brighton & Hove Albion may quietly be pleased with the fire shown by young striker Mark O’Mahony, despite the controversy surrounding his aggressive challenge in a pre-season friendly against Tottenham Hotspur.
The 20-year-old Republic of Ireland youth international, currently on loan at Reading, came dangerously close to seeing red during Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Spurs after a rash tackle on full-back Pedro Porro.
Although many expected a dismissal, O’Mahony was ultimately let off with a yellow card—something Brighton’s coaching staff, led by Fabian Hurzeler, are likely to interpret as a valuable learning moment rather than a disciplinary concern.
Speaking to *Football Insider*, former Premier League and FIFA referee Keith Hackett weighed in on the incident, labeling it a borderline red-card offense.
However, he emphasized that Brighton will likely see the aggression as a sign of commitment and character.
> “Let’s be realistic. Clubs will always look for the upside. The referee didn’t issue a red, so from Brighton’s perspective, that’s a player showing fight—something you can channel and develop,” Hackett explained.
O’Mahony, a promising academy graduate, has struggled to break into Brighton’s senior team in recent seasons, making only four appearances while competing with the likes of Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro.
With Pedro now joining Chelsea in a £60 million move, there’s increased opportunity for other forwards—including O’Mahony, Evan Ferguson, and new signing Stefanos Tzimas—to step up.
The striker is no stranger to the EFL, having spent last season on loan at Portsmouth, where he netted three times in 13 appearances. His current spell at Reading is seen as a vital next step in his development.
Despite the controversy, Hackett believes the incident offers more promise than concern.
> “That kind of tackle requires coaching—advice from his current staff. But it also shows determination. Brighton will note that energy and look to refine it.”
As Brighton continue their pre-season tour, with matches against Las Palmas, Southampton, and Wolfsburg on the horizon, all eyes will remain on the Seagulls’ emerging talents—O’Mahony included—as Hurzeler looks to finalise his squad for the Premier League season ahead.
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