The two sets of players clashed before half-time
Fans believe Liverpool forward Sadio Mane should’ve been sent off against Everton in the first half of the Merseyside Derby on Sunday afternoon.
It was a tense first half, with neither team creating any real goalscoring opportunities. The Toffees made no secret of their intentions to frustrate their opponents.
Anthony Gordon was booked for diving in the 25th minute, and the game came to life just before half-time as Abdoulaye Doucouré was booked for a late challenge on Reds midfielder Fabinho.
Liverpool supporters were frustrated that Richarlison had remained on the ground after a soft tackle, with the Brazilian appearing to try and slow the game down.
Sky Sports commentator and Reds legend Jamie Carragher, who was on co-commentary duties, insisted that the 24-year-old should simply get back to his feet.
🗣️ "Honestly, GET UP."
It's all kicking off in the Merseyside Derby #LIVEVE |🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/tf1xefdFG6
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 24, 2022
Everton shot-stopper Jordan Pickford was quickly on the scene as the two sets of players came together, and some fans believe that Mane was lucky to be shown a yellow card and not a red one.
How is pushing Allan in the face and poking Holgate in the eye just 1 yellow card? pic.twitter.com/49oLxVgycx
— Andy Castell (@AJ3) April 24, 2022
The former Southampton man appeared to poke Everton defender Mason Holgate in the face while the referee spoke to other players.
How did social media react?
One twitter user wrote: “Sadio Mane incredibly lucky it was only a yellow card. Strange decision to raise a hand into the face of Allan from one of Liverpool’s most important players.”
Sadio Mane incredibly lucky it was only a yellow card. Strange decision to raise a hand into the face of Allan from one of Liverpool's most important players. pic.twitter.com/MIlId7KaYO
— Amos Murphy (@AmosMurphy_) April 24, 2022
Another added: “Stonewall red card for Sadio Mane, referees and VAR persistently picking and choosing when to give decisions rather than a consistent outcome, yet again.”
Stonewall red card for Sadio Mane, referees and VAR persistently picking and choosing when to give decisions rather than a consistent outcome, yet again.
— Liam (@Bewsh88) April 24, 2022
A third person wrote: “Anyone want to explain to me why Anthony Martial got a red card for this by VAR last season but Sadio Mane didn’t get a Red card for his reaction today..?”
Anyone want to explain to me why Anthony Martial got a red card for this by VAR last season but Sadio Mane didn’t get a Red card for his reaction today..? pic.twitter.com/66BLqOysd1
— Mike (@Mike87_United) April 24, 2022
Another person stated: “Sadio Mane shouldn’t even be on the pitch. Poking a finger on Holgate’s face and then hitting Allan. Ref is doing his best”.
https://twitter.com/Tanmay_MUFC/status/1518267511891849217
What did the pundits think?
“Mane is lucky here, he’s pushed someone and actually maybe tried to poke someone,” said ex-Liverpool man Graeme Souness.
He added: “It’s not a push, he’s actually got his finger out, I think there’s more intent than just a push.”
Should Sadio Mane have been sent off in the first half? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Q3dBvKCygN
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 24, 2022
Mane was shown a yellow card for ‘adopting an aggressive approach’ and was later substituted in place of Luis Diaz.
Jurgen Klopp’s side eventually broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute through left-back Andy Robertson’s smart header.
Substitute Divock Origi doubled the Reds’ lead in the 85th minute to secure all three points for Liverpool and keep the pressure on league-leaders Manchester City.
Related links:
- Tino Livramento given oxygen and stretchered off in Brighton draw
- Jamie Carragher admits he doesn’t want Everton to be relegated
- Roy Keane linked with shock return to management with Hibernian
