Jon Moss had to think in a split second.
And if you ask most supporters, the referee in charge of Manchester City’s lunchtime meeting with Liverpool got it wrong when he decided to show a straight red card to Sadio Mane late on in the first half at the Etihad Stadium.
The Liverpool forward had just gotten the better of City’s offside trap when he challenged for the bouncing ball with opposition goalkeeper Ederson.
Mane’s eyes were firmly fixed on the ball but a high boot collided with the lowered head of Ederson as he came storming out of his area.
It was an ugly collision but the accidental nature of it led most viewers to believe that a yellow would have sufficed.
Gary Neville, who was covering the game for Sky Sports was certainly of the belief that it wasn’t a red card by any means.
Former Sky presenter Richard Keys certainly did not hold back with his opinion:
Shades of Schumacher/Batiston. We can only hope the keeper is ok. Well done Jon Moss.
— Richard Keys (@richardajkeys) September 9, 2017
That drew a stinging response from many football fans, including former Mayo GAA star Conor Mortimer:
Shameful tweet Richard.
— Conor.mortimer ⚽️ (@Conmort) September 9, 2017
There is no comparison between the two. Schumacher intentionally went to injure Batiston, while Mane had eyes on the ball
— Liam Smith (@TitusSharktooth) September 9, 2017
Back in the Eastlands gantry, Neville was not even convinced if Mane should get his marching orders.
“He had to go for it. He was always going to hurt the goalkeeper,” the commentator said.
“It won’t look pretty on the replays because he did go for the ball and he did follow through.”
The incident was bookended by goals from Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus but the older Neville brother was of the opinion that the game had been spoiled by the decision to send Mane off.
“I don’t think that’s a red card. I genuinely don’t,” he added.
37: Sadio Mané receives a straight red card. The Reds are down to 10 men.
[1-0] #LFC pic.twitter.com/oS6itrBX5k
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 9, 2017
“Wherever the goalkeeper ends up, the rewards are so big. That’s not a red card. I’m sorry.
“He’s got a great view of it, you can see the referee in the picture.
“Mane’s eyes are on the ball. His eyes are on the ball. That is not a red card for me. It’s ridiculous. I’m sorry Jon Moss but you’ve just ruined a game there.”
However brother Phil was in the minority, as he went against the grain and praised the official for his decision.
https://twitter.com/fizzer18/status/906490228097130497
This one will rage on for a while…
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