Ryan Gravenberch was sent off in the latter stages of Liverpool's 3-0 Premier League loss to Manchester City on Sunday, and a number of pundits have since agreed that the midfielder was unfortunate to receive his marching orders.
The Reds held the visitors to a goalless draw for 62 minutes at Anfield, despite being without several key attacking players. Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike were absent, leaving Lewis Koumas to lead the line, while Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo were also sidelined with injuries.
Two yellows prove costly
Gravenberch was shown an early exit after receiving a second yellow card. His first caution came after he appeared to step on Elliot Anderson's foot as the English midfielder went to ground. The second was for bringing down Jeremy Doku on the counter, having been beaten for pace by the Belgian winger.
With Liverpool forced to play the final 30 minutes with 10 men, the game quickly got away from them. Erling Haaland opened the scoring three minutes after the red card, before Doku doubled City's lead shortly after. Rayan Cherki then made it 3-0 with around 10 minutes left to play.
Pundits question first yellow
Speaking on Sky Sports, Tim Sherwood argued that the initial caution was harsh. "I don't think that tackle should be a yellow card," he said. "It is an attempt to win the ball. He pulls out of any kind of challenge. It is not a yellow card. You want your team to be aggressive and on the front foot."
On the second yellow, however, Sherwood was more understanding of referee Chris Kavanagh's decision. "He is so quick and toes it away. It is a genuine attempt to play the ball but he puts himself on offer having already been on a yellow," he added.
