Normally when a player leaves the pitch on a stretcher due to an opposition challenge you can’t have many complaints about a red card.
But Sadio Mane’s red card 37 minutes into Man City v Liverpool after a tackle on Man City goalkeeper Ederson has split opinion.
Joel Matip played the ball over the top of City’s offside trap, setting Mane free on goal.
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Ederson came rushing out to clear but Mane, who only had eyes for the ball, clashed awkwardly with the Brazilian.
At full speed it didn’t look pretty.
Mane caught Ederson flush in the face, sending the 24-year-old to the ground and ending his game.
But, although Jon Moss reached straight for the red card, it wasn’t cut and dry.
Let’s look at the facts.
Mane kicked Ederson in the face, causing the goalkeeper to be stretchered off.
On any other part of the pitch you wouldn’t bat an eyelid if a player was sent off for a similar challenge.
But then on the flip side Mane only had eyes for the ball and was genuinely making an attempt to get it under control.
We’re torn. Where is Mike Dean when you need him?
Kevin de Bruyne or Sadio Mane? Why not pick both in this weekend’s big game?
That’s the beauty of Dream Team Weekender – there are no budget limitations so you can pick any player available from this weekend’s fixtures, with Man City v Liverpool the pick of the bunch.
Weekender is the best new fantasy football game around and it’s absolutely free to enter.
Just select seven players from across the Saturday and Sunday Premier League fixtures for your chance to bag that tasty £20k prizepot.
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ALL ROUND BETS
👊Betting guide: Must bets this weekend👊
- Stoke v Man United: Mkhitaryan to assist, 6/4
- Leicester v Chelsea: Maguire to score first, 35/1
- Bournemouth v Arsenal: Sanchez to score first, 4/1
- Everton v Spurs: Kane to score first, 4/1
- Burnley v Crystal Palace: Benteke to score first, 5/1