It was "correct" to not dismiss Manchester City star Ruben Dias for kicking out at Ben White of Arsenal.
That's according to Mark Clattenburg, a former Premier League official who was serving as BT Sport's officiating analyst on Wednesday (April 27) night. Just before halftime of the title rivals' match at the Etihad, Dias appeared to be in trouble.
John Stones gave City a 2-0 lead shortly after that, and the Portuguese center-back engaged White physically near the corner flag. After being left on the ground, Dias protruded his leg into the back of his opponent's knee.
Referee Michael Oliver only issued him a yellow card, and a VAR review determined that no further action was necessary.
Clattenburg, who seems to have taken over for Peter Walton at BT, thought that decision was correct because Dias didn't use enough force to merit a red.
He said: "Yeah what I think they did is they looked for a potential red card. Did Ruben Dias use any force in the challenge with the kick out to Ben White?
"He didn't, it was more of a petulant kick and therefore the VAR was correct in identifying that was a yellow card offence."
Aside from Dias being spared a red card, there were other VAR decisions that infuriated Arsenal supporters as their title hopes vanished in a 4-1 loss. It shocked them that Stones' header from a Kevin De Bruyne free-kick was deemed to be onside.
At first glance, he seemed to be in a good financial situation, but White was found to have tricked him with his outstretched foot. In the end, City outperformed the Gunners and seized control of the title race.
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