Liverpool winger Sadio Mane’s dismissal in the first half of Saturday’s 5-0 drubbing at Manchester City split opinion in the football world.
Here, Press Association Sport looks at selected reaction to the red-card incident, which led to home goalkeeper Ederson leaving the field on a stretcher.
“Rubbish decision to send off Mane. Rubbish.” – Match of the Day host Gary Lineker, who added on Twitter: “Both players running at each other at high speed. He’s just trying to flick the ball like any striker would.”
“It’s a red card. He had his eyes on the ball, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t endangering his opponent. He hasn’t tried to do him. If anything it’s Ederson’s quickness off the line that’s got him sent off. I thought he was in (to score), but if you don’t get there, with a boot that high, and clash with his head, it’s a red card. It took a few angles, and I needed convincing because I didn’t think it at first.” – Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports.
“I don’t think that is a red card. His eyes are on the ball, it’s ridiculous. He wins that challenge, the goal is there for him. It wasn’t one of those where you think the goalkeeper is the favourite. He does well to get out, and his foot is high. Jon Moss, you have just ruined the game there. He didn’t need to give a red card. He could have given a yellow. I think he’s got it wrong. The reason Ederson is injured is because his back three have ridiculously tried to play the offside.” – Gary Neville on Sky Sports.
“It was an easy decision. It’s a red card. Intent is not relevant.” – former Premier League referee Graham Poll on BT Sport.
Mane.
Makes genuine attempt for ⚽️. A contact sport now refereed with over sensitive interpretation rather than common sense.
No red.
— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) September 9, 2017
Top goalkeeping from @ManCity keeper Ederson, bravery and conviction. No argument for Mané sending off. #MCILIV
— David James (@jamosfoundation) September 9, 2017
Gotta challenge for that but high foot and dangerous so red for me #Mane
— Trevor Sinclair (@trevor8sinclair) September 9, 2017
Difficult decision for for the ref in City vs Liv. My opinion Mane has to go for he ball, it’s outside the box and his eyes were on the ball
— Alan Brazil (@alanbrazil) September 9, 2017
Tough to watch! Not at it today. Red card had huge influence with LFC unable to respond after it or deal with quality of City attack.
— Neil Mellor (@NeilMellor33) September 9, 2017
