The Premier League has issued an explanation for the controversial penalty incident involving Marc Guehi and Mohamed Salah, offering clarification on Guehi's yellow card
18:21, 08 Feb 2026Updated 18:44, 08 Feb 2026
Referee, Craig Pawson shows a yellow card to Marc Guehi
Referee, Craig Pawson shows a yellow card to Marc Guehi
The Premier League has issued a statement on a controversial penalty incident involving Marc Guehi and Mohamed Salah.
Guehi sparked controversy after taking a significant risk by pulling back Salah on the edge of the penalty area. Referee Craig Pawson awarded a free-kick, a decision supported by VAR, before officials reviewed whether the challenge warranted an upgrade from a yellow card to a red.
Following the check, VAR confirmed no further action, with Guehi retaining his booking.
A statement by the Premier League Match Center on X/Twitter said: The referee’s call of a free-kick and yellow card to Guehi for the challenge on Salah was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the challenge outside of the area and deemed not to be denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity (DOGSO) as there was a covering defender."
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Agreeing with the decision, Gary Neville on Sky Sports said: "It is the right decision [not to show Guehi a red card]. I don't think Salah would have got there."
Sky reporter Vinny O'Connor added: "The foul from Guehi was definitely outside the box. I’m surprised VAR checked for denial of a goalscoring opportunity. Could you imagine if he’d seen red for that or given away a penalty on his first visit to Anfield as a City player?"
Guehi was met with a hostile reception from the Anfield crowd as he made his first appearance there as a Manchester City player. The defender had been close to joining Liverpool last summer, only for Crystal Palace to collapse a proposed $48 million (£35 million) move on deadline day. Just months later, Guéhi completed a switch to City for $27 million (£20 million).
While frustration had initially been aimed at Liverpool’s hierarchy over the failed transfer, supporters instead directed their displeasure towards Guehi himself on his return to Merseyside.
Although boos greeted all visiting players, the reaction noticeably intensified whenever the England international was in possession.
Marc Guehi challenges Mohamed Salah
Marc Guehi challenges Mohamed Salah(Image: Getty)
Guehi has spoken about his failed move to Liverpool in the build-up to Sunday’s game, and his subsequent move to the Etihad. "I said in previous interviews, it wasn't really up to me, it was God's plan, and God's plan has come to full fruition,” Guehi told Sky Sports.
"So I'm just looking forward to the game, against tough opposition, in a great environment, and we'll be doing our best to get a win."
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Guehi added on his move to City: "Things happen quite quickly to be honest but it was how keen the club were and how sure the club were on me. I listened to the project and talked to the important people and I was very sure. So it happened in a very quick space of time.
"Just being here for two minutes, it feels like I've learned so much from every single person - from the players, the staff and of course the manager.
"In such a short space of time it feels like my head has been filled with so much knowledge. It's exactly what I've wanted for so long, so it's great."