Keith Hackett winces as Man City's Jeremy Doku caught in 'red card' controversy

Jeremy Doku was on the end of a very dangerous challenge during Belgium's 5-0 friendly win over Tunisia.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Tunisia's Ismael Gharbi could have easily been shown a straight red card for the foul.

The Augsburg midfielder was given his marching orders on Saturday, 6 June, but many on social media argued that he should not have been shown two yellow cards, but instead a straight red.

Unsurprisingly, Doku was targeted as a main threat during the game, often being hit hard by tackles, much like in the Premier League, but this one seriously could have injured the Man City winger.

Jeremy Doku in danger away from Manchester City

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee winced at the challenge, revealing why two yellow cards made more sense than a straight red.

"I can see every reason for giving a red card for that challenge. But what referees tend to do in these situations, with a player on a yellow, is that they tend to lean towards a second yellow rather than issuing a red," he said.

"It's because there's no appeal. That's one of the reasons. I've had this conversation with referees in the past, and they've gone, 'Well, I'm erring on the side of safety'.

"You can't appeal. In terms of challenges, often this subjectivity, and therefore that forms a defence for an appeal.

"By issuing that second yellow, you're closing off any hope of an appeal. Now, what's going to be interesting is that under the new laws on VAR, which will be in play in the World Cup, the VAR can now intervene on a second yellow."

How have other Man City players fared ahead of the World Cup?

Other than the injury scare, it was a very exciting performance from the Belgian winger, who grabbed two assists in the five-goal thrashing.

Erling Haaland, however, had a rather disappointing time during Norway's draw with Morocco, being slammed by the national media. He touched the ball just four times in 72 minutes before being substituted [FotMob].

Rayan Cherki has continued his impressive form for the France national team, hitting the back of the net in a 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast last week.

All three of City's England defenders have enjoyed minutes under Thomas Tuchel, with Josko Gvardiol, Tijjani Reijnders and Abdukodir Khusanov all impressing away from the Etihad.