Sadio Mane’s sending off was a difficult decision… a yellow card from Jon Moss would’ve been the safe option
Jon Moss made what he thought was the right decision at the time and I wouldn't criticise his difficult call
SADIO MANE’s clash with Ederson was a very difficult decision for referee Jonathan Moss and my first reaction was it was a caution for the Liverpool forward.
It was two players going for a 50-50 ball. The Manchester City goalkeeper came out of his penalty area so in the eyes of the referee he became an outfield player and therefore doesn’t normally receive the same protection as inside.
In real time I would have taken the safe option and cautioned Mane because there was an element of doubt.
And if there’s any doubt whatsoever you go for a yellow card and not a red.
Yes, Mane’s foot was high but he’s came in from an angle rather than front on, plus the keeper has also ducked his head a little down towards the ball.
Jon initially goes to his right-hand pocket to pull out a yellow card but he delayed and then looked at the keeper and changed his mind and produced a red from his left hand pocket.
I wonder if Jon has gone on the reaction of the player on the ground. That shouldn’t have made a difference to the outcome but sometimes it can change the referee’s mind.
It was easier for Jon to show a red than a yellow to avoid a backlash following this incident.
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It’s all about opinions and I wouldn’t criticise Jon for the call he made.
He sent Mane off for serious foul play because he felt the challenge fitted the criteria in law 12.
And from the replays I saw at half-time I can understand why he made that decision.
Mane will now receive a three-match ban and Liverpool can appeal if they wish.
But I don’t think they will get the suspension overturned because it wasn’t a clear and obvious error by the referee.
