Yes, I see it as a defence against a striking charge!
A high-tackle would not normally get a red card whereas striking could get a red card (and therefore a suspension)
Once again, I am not saying this is what happened, I'm saying that is how I would be defending it.
(Putting it this way allows me to have an opinion without being continually misrepresented. The additional bold emphasis to assist those who habitually skim posts without reading them fully)
