Man City Brighton
(Credit: Match of the Day)
Keith Hackett
Mon 17 March 2025 13:43, UK
Brighton attacker Georginio Rutter should have been carded for a challenge on Man City defender Josko Gvardiol that was checked by VAR, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the foul by the Frenchman was “reckless” but the video assistant was blocked from recommending the correct punishment.
It was an eventful game between the two sides as they met on Saturday (15 March) at the Etihad, where Man City and Brighton would play out a 2-2 draw.
Away from the goals and more dropped points for the reigning Premier League champions, there were also some officiating decisions that raised interest in this game, one of which involved Rutter.
Keith Hackett on Georginio Rutter challenge vs Man City
Keith Hackett has given his thoughts on the challenge by Georginio Rutter on Josko Gvardiol
Georginio Rutter avoids sanction after Josko Gvardiol challenge
After the match, Guardiola revealed he was unhappy with referee Simon Hooper after Man City winger Jeremy Doku was booked for diving just after the hour mark.
There was also another incident moments later that may have left the Spaniard frustrated, when both Gvardiol and Rutter challenging for the ball.
Georginio Rutter vs Man City Total (as per SofaScore)
Shots on Target 0
Shots off Target 0
Successful Passes 10/13
Duels Won 6/13
Fouls 1
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With the Man City man getting there first, the studs of the Brighton attacker then landed on the outstretched leg of Gvardiol, who was left in pain on the ground.
While Hooper awarded a free kick, he did not book Rutter, and while the decision was looked at by VAR for a potential red card, none was issued.
Now Hackett has given his view on what the right course of action ought to have been for that challenge.
‘Georginio Rutter should have been booked for foul vs Man City’ – Keith Hackett
After being asked by Football Insider about whether that challenge from Rutter should have warranted more than just a free kick, the former referee said:
“Here’s the situation, the VAR can look at it and think that’s a yellow card, he should have had a yellow card, but he’s not allowed to state that to the referee.
“For me I think the player’s fortunate, I don’t think it’s red, I think it’s a reckless challenge for which he should have received a yellow card.”
Both teams will be in FA Cup quarter final action immediately after the international break, with Man City travelling to Bournemouth and Brighton hosting Nottingham Forest.
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