Ex-Premier League referee issues verdict on Man City ‘appeal’ as Joao Cancelo banned until next year
Joao Cancelo can have no complaints with his red card as Man City beat Fulham 2-1 on Saturday (5 November), according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted Cancelo will not be able to appeal the decision.
As shown on the BBC’s Match of the Day programme, the 28-year-old was sent off in the 26th minute for pushing Harry Wilson over and denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
The defender will now serve a three-match ban and will not be available for Man City in the Premier League until the trip to Chelsea next year (5 January).
Former Man United man Andres Pereira converted from the spot to pull Fulham back but they were not able to hold on for a draw.
Erling Haaland scored a penalty of his own in stoppage time at the end of the second half to secure the three points for Man City.
Asked whether Cancelo’s red card was justified, Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “Yes, absolutely.
“The law was applied correctly. He will have no right of appeal. It’s the correct decision.
“In fairness, when you have a denial of a goalscoring opportunity you have to produce a red card quickly to stop anything.
“This is what I mean about the confusion that exists. This is a clear body check.
“In a way, it’s a silly challenge by the player and he has to go. I think the referee was absolutely spot on.”
Cancelo’s red card against Fulham was the second of his Man City career.
The Portugal international also has nine goals and 22 assists in 148 appearances across all competitions for the club.
In other news, Man City may be set to “spite Liverpool” and sign Jude Bellingham after a source reveal.