Bournemouth's Lewis Cook with Francisco Evanilson after being sent off during the Premier League (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
Bournemouth's Lewis Cook with Francisco Evanilson after being sent off during the Premier League (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
LEWIS Cook’s challenge did not warrant a red card, Andoni Iraola believes.
The Englishman was sent off for a lunging tackle on Nico in the centre circle after 73 minutes at the Etihad Stadium.
Just six minutes earlier, the hosts had too been reduced to ten men, Mateo Kovacic given his marching orders for hauling back Evanlison when through on goal.
And just as the Cherries sought to build momentum, Cook was sent off to check that.
Reflecting on the two red cards, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “I think the red card is clear, Kovacic. I think our red card is, I think you have to understand it.
“I think Lew arrives, it's not a 50/50 or he arrives a lot earlier than Nico and tries to pull out his leg after making the contact.
(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
“And this pulling out probably makes it look worse because he raises his foot and the contact is higher. If you go maybe more strong, it would be more dangerous for Nico, much harder.
“But probably not a red card. You know, it's not just the point of contact.
“You have to understand the game and you have to understand what Lewis Cook is doing. He wins the ball clearly.
“It's a clear tackle and then he tries to break, pull out, and I don't think it should be a red, but I understand also that he takes that decision.”