Why Kovacic should have been sent off against Arsenal

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) chief, Howard Webb, in a recent statement, admitted that Michael Oliver should have sent off Manchester City’s Mateo Kovacic during their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.

Recall that Kovacic was handed a yellow card in the first half for a dangerous tackle on Martin Odegaard.

The Croatian midfielder also managed to escape a second booking for a foul on Declan Rice.

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Webb, speaking on Mic’d Up, said: “I do [think he was fortunate]. I mean, obviously, the VAR can’t get involved; a second yellow is not something the VAR is able to get involved in but I think he was an extremely fortunate player to stay on the field of play.

“The referee, one of our best referees, one of the best referees in the world, Michael Oliver, will no doubt review that.”