Peter Schmeichel believes Michael Oliver acted in error by sending off Leandro Trossard during Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City and offered a unique perspective on the incident.
Trossard, 29, was shown a second yellow card by Oliver after being accused of delaying the restart at the Etihad Stadium, shortly after bundling Bernardo Silva to the ground.
In a game where the Gunners were leading 2-1 until the very last moments, John Stones‘ injury-time equaliser ensured a share of the spoils.
Schmeichel, working for Norwegian outlet TV 2 Sport, offered his view on the matter and was adamant that Premier League referee Oliver should not have sent off Trossard, despite many other pundits suggesting it was the correct call.
He began: “This is the biggest game in the Premier League so far! Soft yellow cards!
“Why is Michael Oliver trying to ruin it? It’s a big game, emotions are flying high — understand what you are dealing with here, but no — Michael Oliver wants himself in the spotlight!”
Officials have begun to clamp down on time-wasting or delaying the natural flow of the game in recent weeks, with Declan Rice also shown a second yellow for doing so against Brighton.
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville says players at the top level must begin to understand that the rule isn’t going to vanish any time soon.
It was a decision that frustrated Arsenal supporters, who have cited inconsistency in the rule being applied ever since Rice was dismissed prior to the last international break.
Getty
“They aren’t learning. I’m not sure they can complain. He has not got a leg to stand on Trossard,” began the former Manchester United defender.
“It’s a foul, he barges Bernardo Silva out the way and then goes and wellies the ball away. The whistle goes. He knows he’s heard the whistle because he half pulls out of kicking it away. He doesn’t put his foot fully through it.
“They [Arteta and Arsenal’s coaching staff] are giving him a hug. They might not see it the same at the end of the game, they might look on it as stupidity. I think they will be disappointed with him when they reflect upon it.”
Arsenal had defended resolutely throughout the second half, only for Stones’ late leveller to end their hopes of a famous victory.
Pep Guardiola’s side had struggled to break down the Gunners in a performance that for the most part looked like it would be enough for Arsenal to claim all three points.
City end the latest matchday top of the Premier League on 13 points, with Arsenal two points back in fourth.