Jon Moss had to think in a split second.
Supporters are divided on whether the referee in charge of Manchester City’s lunchtime meeting with Liverpool got it right 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 plenty of 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.
“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 disagreement and praised the official for his decision.
https://twitter.com/fizzer18/status/906490228097130497
“Red card for me,” Phil tweeted. “Good decision Jon Moss.”
