(Credit: Match of the Day)
Keith Hackett
Mon 17 March 2025 12:41, UK
Joao Pedro was fortunate not to be sent off for Brighton during their clash with Man City, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Brazilian could have been shown a second yellow card for simulation during the game.
Man City and Brighton played out a 2-2 draw at the Etihad on Saturday (15 March), as Pep Guardiola‘s side dropped more points this season.
However, they may have missed out on the opportunity to claim all three points, had the Seagulls gone down to ten men in that game.
Keith Hackett on Joao Pedro dive vs Man City
Keith Hackett has reacted to a Joao Pedro incident against Man City
Joao Pedro avoids second yellow card for simulation
Moments after Guardiola was left frustrated after Jeremy Doku was booked for diving by referee Simon Hooper, there was another controversial response to a challenge that received a different response.
As he battled for the ball with Pedro, an outstretched hand from Man City defender Josko Gvardiol caught the Brighton attacker in the chest.
Man City last five games Result
Liverpool (H) Lost 2-0
Tottenham (A) Won 1-0
Plymouth (H) Won 3-1
Nottingham Forest (A) Lost 1-0
Brighton (H) Drew 2-2
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
The 23-year-old then went down theatrically holding his throat, as he attempted to suggest he had been caught higher up on his body than he actually was.
With Pedro having already been booked, that led to some suggestions that the Brighton man should have received a second yellow card for diving.
Now, Hackett has given his thoughts on whether it might have been the case that this incident should have given Man City the chance to take on ten men for the final half-hour of the game.
Keith Hackett assesses potential Brighton dive vs Man City
After being asked by Football Insider whether Pedro could have been sent off for a second yellow for diving, the former referee said:
“I think he’s fortunate not to receive a red. The referee’s not got a view, he might have expected some support from his assistant referee, it’s not coming and VAR can’t come in.
“So it’s one of those where the player generally has got away with it… What’s also not helped this situation is the reaction of the players.
“He’s overreacted so I think he’s fortunate to get away without being given a second yellow but the referee’s not got a view and the assistant referee’s not helped, he should have helped some support from the assistant referee on this one.”
Following that draw, Man City remain fifth in the Premier League table, just two positions and one point clear of Brighton in the race for European football.
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