Jamie Carragher believes Ryan Gravenberch was harshly treated during Liverpool's encounter with Manchester City after being dismissed following a second yellow card for fouling Jeremy Doku. It was the turning point in the clash, as City ran out 3-0 winners.
Carragher's verdict on the sending-off
The Netherlands international had previously been cautioned for a tackle on Elliot Anderson, but Carragher insists that challenge didn't merit a booking, meaning Gravenberch was unfortunate to see red. He said: "The first was not a yellow, it was so harsh."
"It was a nothing challenge, the referee was far too quick to get the card... The first was the same, the referee was so quick to get a yellow out."
Neville and Warnock weigh in
Meanwhile, Gary Neville commented: "That is very, very soft. Knowing you're on a yellow and on the wrong side of Doku, does he need to make the challenge? Giving the referee a dilemma," reports the Liverpool Echo.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex-Reds full-back Stephen Warnock observed: "The Liverpool players are not happy about that situation. Ryan Gravenberch didn't have to make the challenge."
"Does it warrant a yellow card? It probably does because if Jeremy Doku gets the ball he can drive at the heart of the Liverpool defence."
City capitalise after the red card
To compound Liverpool's woes, moments afterwards Erling Haaland ruthlessly fired the visitors ahead.
Just three minutes later, substitute Jeremy Doku curled a strike into the top corner to double the lead to 2-0, before Rayan Cherki netted a third with a superb finish to cap off an excellent team move.
City have now extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table, while Liverpool sit ninth with two wins in their opening six games.
