Was Chris Tierney's Red Card Warranted?

In his post-game press conference, Jay Heaps described Saturday's 1-1 draw between the New England Revolution and D.C. United as a "pillow fight" up until the 52nd minute, but what happened after that has drawn a heavy mixture of ire and common sense.

The play that sparked everything occurred when D.C.'s Chris Pontius saw his in-swinging corner kick cleared back out towards the corner flag. Both he and veteran left-back ardently pursued the ball, with the former looking to whip in more service and the latter trying to clear the ball out of danger. However, things didn't quite go as planned for either.

Pontius barely got to the ball first and Tierney challenged with his studs exposed, coming down on the top of Pontius' knee. Without any hesitation, head referee Mark Geiger went straight to the back pocket and sent Tierney right off, reducing the Revs to 10 men.

Another red call would soon surface by way of a Lee Nguyen wayward elbow, but Tierney's has simultaneously sparked the most disdain and agreement. To get a sense of that, here's a look at some reactions that occurred in the heat of the moment.

I know the Tierney red is "by the book," but I just think there's some common sense to be shown there. Turns late, no intent. Just unlucky.

— Jeff Lemieux (@jeff_lemieux) May 24, 2015

Unlucky for Tierney. No intent or malice in the challenge, but the end result - studs just below knee - procures red card from Geiger. #MLS

— Kyle McCarthy (@kylejmccarthy) May 24, 2015

Chris Tierney was just given a red card for apparently being too awesome. That's the only explanation for it. #NERevs

— The Rebellion (@NErebellion) May 24, 2015

Can't help but think @MLS upon review will rescind the red card given to @ChrisTierney8: 50/50 ball, Tierney checked up...

— Evan Whitney (@evanwhitney) May 24, 2015

What is your take on the red card? Should Geiger have gone straight to the back pocket? Was he a little harsh since Tierney's challenge had no malicious intent?