Ex-Premier League referee: Thiago Alcantara deserves extended ban as controversial Liverpool footage emerges
Thiago Alcantara should have been sent off during Man City’s 1-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday (16 October), according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted Thiago’s challenge on Rodri endangered the safety of his opponent and should have been reviewed by VAR.
As shown on the BBC’s Match of the Day 2 programme, the 31-year-old launched into a two-footed challenge on Rodri in the 84th minute and was only shown a yellow card.
Anthony Taylor acted quickly to caution the midfield and ensure that tempers did not boil over between the players.
A red card would have seen Thiago banned for Liverpool’s next three Premier League games starting with the visit of West Ham on Wednesday (19 October).
“We have seen red cards given for these,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“The saving grace was that Anthony Taylor was quickly in and diffused the situation but we have seen red cards for these.
“Thiago is lucky not to have been given a red card because that was reckless and it endangered the safety of his opponent.
“Had that been reviewed by VAR, and by its very nature it could’ve been, I think Taylor would have had no option but to change the yellow card to red.
“He’s come in with excessive force, he’s come in with his legs separate and he’s come in with his legs high.
“That player’s reaction means he knows exactly that he’s done something wrong. For me, he should’ve gone.”
In other news, Diogo Jota could be “out for three months” in a “devastating” new Liverpool blow.