Elliot Anderson Phil Foden
(Credit: TNT Sports)
Keith Hackett
Sat 8 March 2025 15:37, UK
Elliot Anderson was rightly not sent off for a challenge on Phil Foden as Nottingham Forest beat Man City, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that he was however amazed that referee Chris Kavanagh did not award a free-kick over the incident.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side continued their excellent season with a 1-0 win over the Premier League champions on Saturday (8 March).
Callum Hudson-Odoi’s strike kept them on track to secure a Champions League place, although Anderson was one Nottingham Forest player who struggled against Man City.
Indeed, the midfielder – who Newcastle were forced to sell due to PSR issues in the summer – found himself under scrutiny for one particular incident shortly before half-time.
Keith Hackett on Elliot Anderson vs Phil Foden
Nottingham Forest survive VAR check against Man City
With five minutes to go in the first half and the score locked at 0-0, Anderson went in for a challenge with Foden inside his own half.
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The Nottingham Forest midfielder appeared to get a touch on the ball before his high boot caught Foden on the thigh on the follow through.
Elliot Anderson vs Man City Total (from SofaScore)
Minutes Played 90
Successful Passes 20/26
Successful Duels 2/11
Shots 0
Tackles 0
Blocked Shots 1
Although he was a matter of feet away with a clear view, referee Kavanagh elected not to award a free-kick.
The incident was also checked by VAR for a potential red card, but no action was taken against Anderson for that tackle on the Man City ace.
Bournemouth defender Ilya Zabarnyi was recently sent off for a similar challenge against Wolves in the Premier League, in a moment of controversy.
Now Hackett believes that while VAR was right not to take action over a potential sending off for Anderson, he was surprised not to see Kavanagh award a free-kick from his vantage point.
Keith Hackett issues verdict on Elliott Anderson challenge on Phil Foden
Speaking to Football Insider about the decision of Kavanagh not to give a free-kick and of VAR not to intervene over a potential red card offence, the former referee said:
“The VAR officials have handled this correctly. No real excessive force so a free kick for a careless challenge would have been the correct decision.
“[But] It is a foul and I’m amazed that Kavanagh did not give it.”
Nottingham Forest are next in action when they travel to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town on Saturday (15 March).
Foden meanwhile will be looking to help his Man City side bounce back when they host Brighton at the Etihad Stadium on the same day.
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