NafisaAn explanation has been provided regarding why Wolves defender Rayan Ait-Nouri avoided a red card for a potentially devastating tackle on Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva during their encounter at the Etihad on Friday night.
With the hosts leading courtesy of a Kevin De Bruyne first-half goal, the Wolves defender gained possession in City’s half and sought to advance into open space.
As Silva moved to intercept, Ait-Nouri maneuvered the ball past him but, in doing so, stepped on the Portuguese attacker’s leg in a harrowing moment that appeared certain to prompt VAR to direct the referee to the pitchside monitor for a review.
Yet, the game continued uninterrupted, and the rationale behind the wing-back’s lack of punishment has been disclosed.
Reason Why Ait-Nouri Escaped Red Card vs Man City:
As the match proceeded at the Etihad, Sky Sports commentator Seb Hutchinson relayed that the explanation from Stockley Park for allowing the Algerian international to remain on the pitch was that the challenge was deemed ‘accidental’ and involved ‘no force,’ much to the astonishment of Jamie Carragher on co-commentary, who was incredulous that the Wolves player avoided being sent off.
ESPN’s VAR expert Dale Johnson also contributed to the discussion, criticizing the Premier League’s application of the serious foul play rule, posting on social media: “Serious foul play going well again.”
Other fans voiced their sentiments as well, with one stating: “I’m sorry, that Ait-Nouri challenge is a joke,” while another remarked: “How is that not a red!? Ait-Nouri has nearly snapped Bernardo Silva’s leg in half there.”
A third directly called out the PGMOL, saying: “Not even a booking for Ait-Nouri. @FA_PGMOL on the beach already.”
This isn’t the first instance this season where Ait-Nouri has escaped a contentious call.
In January, Nottingham Forest supporters felt wronged when the defender seemed to handle the ball inside the penalty area, but their appeals for a penalty were dismissed, despite Manchester United’s Matthijs De Ligt conceding a penalty for a strikingly similar incident that same week.
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