Marc Guehi: Man City Star Admits He ‘Deserved’ Red Card Instead Of Yellow for Pulling Salah
- Marc Guéhi has made an honest admission following Manchester City’s rare triumph over Liverpool at Anfield
- The English defender was fortunate to avoid a harsher penalty for his challenge on Mohamed Salah in the second half
- Ironically, Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai was shown a red card for a similar incident later in the match
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Manchester City defender Marc Guéhi openly admitted his foul on Mohamed Salah during their dramatic victory on Sunday, February 8, could have easily earned him a red card.
The incident unfolded in the 68th minute when Salah surged forward, poised to break clear.
Source: Getty Images
Marc Guéhi admits he deserved red
In a desperate attempt to halt the attack, Guéhi pulled the Egyptian back, drawing a yellow card from referee Craig Pawson.
Despite the intensity of the moment, the officials decided the challenge, while unsporting, did not deny a clear goalscoring chance.
Watch the incident:
VAR confirmed this assessment, noting the foul took place outside the penalty area, and a covering defender was nearby, meaning Guéhi avoided dismissal. The Premier League later posted on X:
“The referee’s call of a free-kick and yellow card to Guéhi for the challenge on Salah was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the challenge outside of the area and deemed not to be denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity (DOGSO) as there was a covering defender.”
In a post-match interview with talkSPORT, the former Crystal Palace captain was asked if he thought a red card was justified.
Guéhi responded honestly:
“Maybe. It could have been, but that's not down to me. That's down to the referees and VAR. And if they felt like it was a yellow card, then it was a yellow card.” His calm acceptance highlights his respect for the officials’ decision despite the fine line he walked.
Source: Getty Images
City beat Liverpool in comeback win
After surviving that scare, Man City staged an exciting comeback.
Dominik Szoboszlai had put Liverpool ahead with 16 minutes remaining, but Bernardo Silva’s equaliser six minutes from time reignited hope for the visitors.
The climax came deep into stoppage time when Erling Haaland coolly converted a penalty to secure all three points.
VAR also played a role in disallowing a late City goal and showed Szoboszlai a red card, adding drama to the final moments.
Had Guéhi, who has been included in Man City's Champions League roster alongside Semenyo, received a red, he would have faced a three-match ban during a crucial part of the season.
Instead, he remains available for upcoming league fixtures against Fulham, Newcastle United, and Leeds United.
For Liverpool, missing the chance to hold on to their lead adds to their growing frustrations this campaign.
Why Guéhi missed Carabao Cup semis
In a previous report, YEN.com.gh detailed the reasons behind Marc Guehi’s absence from Manchester City’s second-leg Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle United.
Although the 25-year-old joined the Cityzens in January alongside Antoine Semenyo, he was ineligible to participate in the Etihad clash.
Source: YEN.com.gh
