Andoni Iraola and Jamie Carragher both criticised referee Chris Kavanagh's decision to send off Ryan Gravenberch during Liverpool's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.
The match was goalless and Liverpool were on top when Gravenberch received a second yellow card in the 62nd minute. The Dutch midfielder had been one of the standout players for his team, and his dismissal changed the course of the game.
Red card changes the game
Just three minutes after Gravenberch left the pitch, Erling Haaland put Manchester City ahead. By the 78th minute, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki had also scored, sealing a convincing win for the visitors.
The victory maintained Manchester City's perfect start to the Premier League season after six games.
Iraola questions first booking
Liverpool manager Iraola was particularly unhappy with the first yellow card Gravenberch received, which came for a foul on Elliot Anderson. Iraola did not believe it warranted a booking.
'The first one is not a yellow,' Iraola told Sky Sports. 'Anderson carries on a couple of steps; he wasn't even going to give a foul. I've no idea why he gives a yellow card. We have like nine players behind the ball.'
'It's already difficult to press them when it's 11 v 11, but with one less, it becomes a different game and then we concede straight away before making a substitution. You have to play differently when you're 1-0 down.'
Carragher and Richards agree
Jamie Carragher, on commentary, also felt the decision was harsh. He said: 'It feels really harsh when you think of the two challenges.'
'The first challenge was not a card and the referee was far too quick to get the card out.'
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards echoed that view. 'We talk about the yellow card. That is soft! How is that a yellow card? I don't understand,' he said.
Iraola praises players
Despite the defeat, Iraola had positive words for Gravenberch and the rest of the squad. 'He [Gravenberch] played really well today. He was carrying the ball very well and defending very well,' said the manager.
'I feel very proud of the players today. It was not easy. They have been at the level in terms of intensity and winning duels.'
'The supporters today have been top-level. Exemplary from the beginning when we arrive. The red card was in our best moment. Even after, they valued the effort of the players.'
