"Michael Oliver wants himself in the spotlight!” - Manchester United legend hits out at referee after Leandro Trossard red card in Man City vs Arsenal
Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has slammed referee Michael Oliver for sending off Leandro Trossard in the clash between Arsenal and Manchester City. The Belgian was given his marching orders just before halftime at the Etihad in a controversial manner.
The referee had stopped play to award a free kick to Manchester City after Trossard committed a foul on Bernando Silva. However, the Arsenal star appeared to kick the ball away after the whistle was blown which prompted the referee to show him a second yellow card, resulting in a sending-off.
The decision by the center referee to show Trossard a second yellow looked a bit harsh and has left fans and pundits in splits, including Schmeichel.
The ex-United goalkeeper slammed the referee for his decision-making in the 'biggest game' in the Premier League. Schmeichel blamed Oliver for trying to ruin the game, claiming that he wanted to get himself in the spotlight.
"This is the biggest game in the Premier League so far! Soft yellow cards! Why is Michael Oliver trying to ruin it? It's a big game, emotions are flying high — understand what you are dealing with here, but no — Michael Oliver wants himself in the spotlight!" he said (via afcstuff on X).
This latest refereeing controversy involving the Gunners comes a few weeks after Declan Rice was also controversially sent off against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Manchester City’s Rodri suffers injury in Arsenal clash
Rodri was forced off the pitch in the first half of City’s Premier League clash with Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on Sunday (September 22). The Manchester City star went to the ground during a City corner and was replaced by Mateo Kovacic.
Pep Guardiola now faces more injury concerns as the Cityzens are currently without Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian playmaker sustained an injury during the Champions League match against Inter Milan and was subsequently left out of the squad for the Arsenal game.
As for Rodri, City will be hoping for positive feedback from their medical department.