‘It’s a foul’ - Former referee issues verdict as Man City star escapes red card in 4-1 victory over Liverpool

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has said it was the right decision by Simon Hooper not to issue a second yellow card to Rodri during Man City’s 4-1 win over Liverpool on Saturday afternoon.

Pep Guardiola’s side went behind to a Mohammed Salah goal after 17 minutes but a Julian Alvarez equaliser before half time along with second-half strikes from Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Jack Grealish sealed an impressive win.

However, it was not without controversy as Rodri was booked for a foul on Jota after 33 minutes and moments later committed a similar offence on Cody Gakpo. However, Gallagher has explained why it was right for the midfielder to remain on the pitch.

“I think the referee was clever with the first booking,” said Gallagher on Sky Sports. “It wasn’t solely for the foul on Jota, it was for an accumulation of fouls.

“The second one is a foul, there is no doubt about that, Rodri knows what he is doing. Is it worthy of a yellow card? I think not. Is it worthy of a second yellow card and red? Definitely not.

“It’s a foul, there is little more in it than that for me. If you’re going to issue the first yellow for three or four fouls, you’re not going to produce a second yellow card for one foul.”

He added: “A yellow card isn’t a final warning, absolutely not. A yellow card is a sanction. What you have to remember is that it goes free-kick, free-kick and public admonishment, free-kick and yellow card.

“The first yellow card doesn’t trigger the second one, you still have to follow the same process. I would have been quite concerned had Rodri been sent off for that incident.”

City closed the gap to leaders Arsenal to five points but the Gunners responded with a comfortable victory over Leeds United to restore their eight-point lead at the summit. City do have a game in hand, however, with the sides also set to face off at the Etihad later this month.