Howard Webb has backed Anthony Taylor's decision to show Diogo Dalot only a yellow card for his challenge on Jeremy Doku during Manchester United's 2-0 win over Manchester City, insisting the incident was not a clear red-card offence.
The flashpoint came in the 10th minute at Old Trafford when Dalot caught Doku on the knee with his studs along the left touchline. Taylor opted for a yellow card, a decision supported by video assistant referee Craig Pawson, despite complaints from City fans watching slow-motion replays.
Speaking on the Premier League Match Officials Mic'd Up show, Webb said the challenge sat in a 'grey zone'. He explained: 'The officials on the field saw Dalot stretch forward with his foot. He touches the ball and then there's contact on Doku. They deemed that to be a reckless action and therefore worthy of a yellow card.'
Webb added that slow-motion replays can give a 'distorted view' of the speed, force and intensity of the challenge. 'When we look at this, we see the point of contact is on the knee, but we also have to factor in speed, force and intensity. You'll not see many red cards in the Premier League for serious foul play that don't involve those things.'
City manager Pep Guardiola declined to blame the result on the decision, saying: 'You could say that red card, different game. Many, many situations happen. It is easy for me to come here and say it should be a red card. It is not about that; we will not grow up if that is the argument to win or lose a game.'
United secured a surprise victory with second-half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu, closing the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal.
