Manchester City could only draw 2-2 with Crystal Palace in the Premier League, in what was a disappointing result.
Manchester City had the chance to close the gap on Liverpool to six points, after the Reds saw their game with Everton postponed.
But City came up short against Palace, a side who have given Pep Guardiola plenty of trouble in past meetings.
City twice had to come from behind to take a point, and in the end, that was probably a fair result.
There was one key incident in the game, and it was when Rico Lewis was sent off for Manchester City for a second bookable offense.
There was controversy about it, and pundit Jason Cundy has absolutely slammed the decision.
MORE MAN CITY STORIES
Jason Cundy slams decision to send off Rico Lewis against Crystal Palace
Rico Lewis of Manchester City is shown a red card, his second yellow by match referee Robert Jones during the Premier League match between Crystal ...
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
After yesterday’s game, Pep Guardiola expressed his frustrations about the decision to send Lewis off against Palace.
Lewis had received one booking for dissent from referee Rob Jones, after a foul by Kevin De Bruyne.
In the 84th minute, Lewis got another yellow card for a late challenge on Trevoh Chalobah. But replays showed Lewis’ foot planted in the ground, with Chalobah’s foot then following through on Lewis.
The decision perhaps didn’t massively impact the game due to the time it happened.
But Lewis is now suspended for the game against Manchester United, which is a blow.
Speaking after yesterday’s game, pundit Jason Pundit spoke passionately against the decision and even called for a change to the way VAR is used.
He said: “I think the time has come, if there is going to be a massive decision… red cards can be reviewed by VAR, second yellow cards cannot be reviewed.
“Rico Lewis’ second yellow card today is an absolute disgrace. There is no way, even on this earth, it’s even a foul, let alone a second yellow.
“Rob Jones gives it as a second yellow. Fine, he makes mistakes. You can see why he’s give it, right? He wins the ball then he steps on Rico Lewis’ foot. The truth is, it’s a non-decision. It’s a non-decision for me. The Rico Lewis second yellow, it’s so bad, it’s such a bad call.
“Do it! Change it, let them review it! Why are we having this conversation? (They) should have done it two years ago Jamie (O’Hara), three years ago.”
Alan Shearer believed Lewis was right to be sent off against Palace, with the Premier League legend unable to understand what the fuss was about on Match of the Day.
Man City have been stung by VAR, ahead of Manchester Derby
Many City fans will agree with Cundy’s comments about VAR following Lewis’ second yellow card against Palace.
It seems absolutely ridiculous that an incident cannot be looked at just because a referee has given a yellow card.
A yellow card that leads to a red is always something that should be checked by VAR, because you’re talking about a decision that is going to have a major impact on a game.
It is high time that the law was changed and VAR was required to check second yellow card decisions.
City now have to face United without Lewis, who’s been one of Guardiola’s better players this season, and it’s all because of a law that is silly.
Related Posts