Jamie Carragher has slammed the decision to send off Ryan Gravenberch during Liverpool's Premier League clash with Manchester City as the dismissal proved to be a turning point
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 11: Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool receives a red card from referee Chris Kavanagh after getting a second yellow card during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City at Anfield on October 11, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has blasted referee Chris Kavanagh for his decision to send off Ryan Gravenberch in the Premier League clash with Manchester City.
All eyes were on Anfield this weekend as league action resumed after the international break. Arguably, no clash was bigger than the meeting between the Reds and City, especially in light of recent developments relating to the Manchester club's 115 charges.
Andoni Iraola 's side may have been struck by injuries, including the absences of Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai. However, the home side was arguably the better team for much of the first half and the start of the second.
That was, however, until midfielder Gravenberch was given his marching orders for a second yellow card. Both bookings were soft, especially as similar, if not worse, fouls from the likes of Marc Guehi and Elliot Anderson went unpunished.
The decision drew plenty of criticism, especially from Sky Sports commentators Carragher and Gary Neville. "It feels really harsh," Carragher began.
"The first one is not a yellow card it was so harsh. The referee was far too quick to get the yellow card out. The first one is the same."
Neville agreed, insisting the second booking for the Dutchman was "soft." It was unfortunate for the midfielder, who had been having a solid game up until that point.
Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool walks off the pitch after being sent off for a second yellow card offence during the Premier League match against Manchester City
Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool walks off the pitch after being sent off for a second yellow card offence during the Premier League match against Manchester City(Image: Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Matters went from bad to worse for Liverpool as City almost immediately capitalized on its numerical advantage. Erling Haaland opened the scoring with a shot from close range.
Minutes later, City substitute Jeremy Doku added a second. The Belgium international is well acquainted with scoring at Anfield, and Sunday's clash was no different.
Iraola opted to make changes following the red card, replacing Florian Wirtz with youngster Trey Nyoni. Ronald Araujo, who was also on a booking, eventually made way for Jeremie Frimpong, while Lewis Koumas was replaced by Rio Ngumoha.
It wasn't enough for Liverpool, though, as the Reds were carved open once again. Rayan Cherki got in on the action to add a third before the 80th minute.