Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic can count himself a lucky man after avoiding a red card in the first-half against Arsenal on Sunday
How did Kovacic escape second yellow with challenge on Declan Rice?
The Croatian was arguably fortunate to have only received a yellow card for his first challenge on Martin Odegaard, sliding through the back of the Norwegian with his studs showing.
VAR did review the incident for a possible red card, but it was recommended to referee Michael Oliver that the call should stand – marking another unwanted controversy for PGMOL.
Just a few minutes later, Kovacic performed a similar tackle on Declan Rice but no card was shown and somehow the 29-year-old escaped an early bath.
The pundits in the Sky Sports studio couldn’t believe their eyes, with former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott stating:
“As soon as it went to VAR, I thought red card. It’s a nasty challenge. For me, it’s a red. It’s genuinely endangering the player.”
Even ex-Manchester City defender Micah Richards also believed Kovacic should’ve been dismissed.
“I believe Kovačić should have seen red. The Rice challenge is definitely a second yellow.”
Is Mateo Kovačić lucky to still be on the pitch? 😲 pic.twitter.com/ICQzN5T28g
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 8, 2023
Arsenal fans react on Twitter
Kovacic who already should be off with another bookable offence and still on
Turns out it isn’t Rodri that gets away with it, it’s any City midfielder
Absolute disgrace from the ref, paid and bought
— Rory Talks Football (@Rory_Talks_Ball) October 8, 2023
This must be corruption. I don’t know how Kovacic is still on the pitch. I am in disbelief.
— Sash ~ (@ltarsenal) October 8, 2023
Honestly, not sending Kovacic off for the first foul is a terrible decision, but to not give him a second yellow for that foul is up there with the worst you’ll ever see.
Always happens against City, either a dodgy red to us, or their players completely getting away with it.
— PB (@OliPriceBates) October 8, 2023
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