The social media reactions suggest that England international Kyle Walker SHOULD have seen a red following his clash with Jahanbakhsh but VAR decided otherwise during the opening 45 minutes of Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final clash between Manchester City and Leon Balogun’s Brighton at Wembley. The Cityzen who have have lost just one their 33 games in all competitions this season in which they’ve been leading at half time (W31 D1 L1), a 2-1 defeat against Newcastle in the Premier League back in January started brilliantly, took the early lead, then it all went a bit scrappy and Kyle Walker should/could/might’ve been sent off. Manchester City .
Brighton who have never won at Wembley, losing three successive matches at the ground and are on the verge of a fourth defeat following Gabriel Jesus’ 4th minute opener demanded the sending off of the England international but centre referee Anthony Taylor wouldn’t oblige.
Walker reacted angrily to a shove in the back from Jahanbakhsh and with both players forehead to forehead, Walker appears to aim a headbutt at his opponent. Walker’s movement failed to connect with Jahanbakhsh and brushed down the winger’s face as he moved backwards, FA rules state there only needs to be an attempt to strike an opponent for an offence to occur.
The decision was reviewed by VAR, but referee Anthony Taylor and his team decided against sending Walker off. Pep Guardiola then hooked Walker at half-time for Danilo.
thank God for VAR
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