The Manchester derby crackled with intensity, but a controversial challenge threatened to boil over just eleven minutes into the match. Diogo Dalot’s reckless lunge on Jeremy Doku left the Belgian winger writhing on the pitch, and ignited a firestorm of debate over whether it warranted a red card.
Dalot’s tackle was brutal – a full-force collision, studs raised, making no contact with the ball. Despite the severity, the referee initially issued only a yellow card, a decision that immediately drew gasps and disbelief. The incident was then reviewed by VAR, yet the original call stood, leaving many stunned.
The Premier League’s official explanation – labeling the impact as “glancing” and lacking “excessive force” – only fueled the outrage. It was a justification that few could accept, especially those who had witnessed the full force of the challenge unfold in real-time.
Alan Shearer, the Premier League’s all-time leading scorer, was incandescent with fury. “That’s not a glancing blow, that’s a punch to the jaw!” he exclaimed, unequivocally stating it was “as clear a red card as you’re going to see.” He couldn’t fathom how VAR could deem such a dangerous tackle anything less.
Shearer’s assessment wasn’t isolated. Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney echoed the sentiment, admitting he initially thought it wasn’t a red card, but a replay revealed a clear sending-off. The real concern, Rooney stressed, was VAR’s failure to recognize the severity of the foul.
Even Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hinted at his disbelief, though he refused to use the decision as an excuse for his team’s defeat. He acknowledged the potential impact of a red card, but insisted his team needed to focus on their own performance, regardless of the referee’s call.
Roy Keane, known for his own uncompromising tackles during his playing days, also weighed in, stating it was “a red card.” Micah Richards, a former City defender, was equally blunt: “Studs on the knee. It’s a red card. What more do you want?”
The consensus was overwhelming. The challenge was dangerous, reckless, and deserving of a red card. The decision not to send Dalot off left a bitter taste, raising serious questions about the consistency and accuracy of VAR’s interventions.
