Expert issues Mane ‘jail’ claim after ‘dangerous’ Liverpool footage emerges
Liverpool star Sadio Mane would be “in jail” if he elbowed Cesar Azpilicueta in the face on the street, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 29-year-old should have been red-carded for his “aggressive” challenge on the Spaniard.
Azpilicueta was caught by the arm of Mane after just six seconds of Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against the Blues at Stamford Bridge, with referee Anthony Taylor producing a yellow card for the winger.
Speaking to Sky Sports post-match, the Chelsea captain insisted the challenge was a “clear red” and blasted the “inconsistency” shown by referees.
Whelan claimed Mane was “nowhere near the ball” and implored the Video Assistant Referee to intervene in such matters.
“I think if somebody did that on the street, you’ll be in jail,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“I don’t care if it’s six seconds in or 60 minutes in. It’s aggressive, it’s violent conduct, and it endangered Azpilicueta.
“It should’ve been dealt with straight away. In big games, sometimes you can get pumped up too much and I think that’s the case with Mane there.
“He’s gone up for the header, nowhere near the ball – it’s dangerous play, it’s a red card. I’m stunned by VAR, it has got to help the referee there.”
Liverpool let a two-goal lead slip after a collapse late on in the first half after goals from Mane and Mohamed Salah put the Reds ahead.
Jurgen Klopp’s side now trail league leaders Man City by 11 points.
The Merseyside club have one game in hand on the reigning Premier League champions.
In other news, Liverpool will have £60m bid accepted after a bank holiday update.