Keith Hackett explains why Bernardo Silva avoided ‘petulant’ red card in Man City vs Brentford
Michael Salisbury was correct not to issue a red card after Bernardo Silva lost control of his emotions in Manchester City‘s clash with Brentford.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the “act of petulance” should never be enough for a sending off in the Premier League.
Silva, who is set to depart the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season, lashed out at Nathan Collins after being blocked from the ball, punching the defender’s leg while still on the floor.
The captain, 31, was cautioned by the referee for his head loss on the touchline, though many of the Brentford fans felt that he deserved his marching orders in Man City’s 1-0 win on Saturday, 9 May.
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VISIT THE MATCH HUBMichael Salisbury made the correct call over Bernardo Silva
It was the Portuguese star’s 10th booking of the Premier League campaign, and luckily for him, it was nothing more than a yellow card in the first half at the Etihad Stadium.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the potential for Silva being sent off, the former referee said: “The match official has got this one correct in issuing a yellow card.
“It’s petulant and just wasn’t enough force to class it as a violent act. I wouldn’t expect a red card at this level of football for that act of petulance.”
| Bernardo Silva vs Brentford | Stats [FotMob] |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Touches | 70 |
| Passing accuracy | 98% (44/45) |
| Successful dribbles | 100% (1/1) |
| Dispossessed | 4 |
| Tackles | 3 |
| Ground duels won | 50% (4/8) |
It was only nine games ago when the midfielder was shown a straight red for handball against Real Madrid in the Champions League. It easily could have been another on his record.
Arsenal fans riot over Man City controversy vs Brentford
The Premier League looks to be going right down to the wire this season, with Mikel Arteta’s side now just two points ahead with three games remaining.
Arsenal must travel to the London Stadium on Sunday, 10 May, before taking on Burnley and Crystal Palace, and while all of these teams are in the bottom six spots, they won’t be easy.
With all of that in mind, Arsenal supporters are absolutely furious that Silva wasn’t given his marching orders, with the captain likely to play a crucial role in the remaining games of the campaign.
Of course, Gabriel Magalhaes should have been sent off for a headbutt on Erling Haaland just five games ago, so Man City fans will argue that it was simply justice served for that incident.
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