Rayan Cherki a lucky boy as Keith Hackett reacts to Leeds United vs Man City footage
Leeds United weren’t happy that Manchester City man Rayan Cherki remained on the pitch on Saturday.
The Frenchman played a key role at Elland Road as the Citizens secured a 1-0 win thanks to a first-half strike from Antoine Semenyo.
There was a feisty edge to the occasion, and that was summed up when Daniel Farke was sent off by referee Peter Bankes after the final whistle.
That wasn’t helped when Cherki remained on the pitch for 88 minutes before eventually being taken off by Pep Guardiola.
Leeds wanted the attacking midfielder to be sent off, and it seems they may have a fair point.
Rayan Cherki seemingly stamped on Ilia Gruev
The 22-year-old was one of the most dangerous players on the pitch for the away side and put in a good shift in Yorkshire.
As good as he was, Cherki arguably should have been shown his marching orders just 11 minutes into the second half.
Footage shows the ex-Lyon man kicking the ball from between Ilia Gruev‘s legs before moving his leg back and standing on the Leeds midfielder.
That didn’t go down well with the LS11 faithful, although the City man avoided any punishment from the referee or VAR.
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett didn’t agree with the call as he felt that a yellow card, if not more, should have been shown by Bankes.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Hackett said: “The referee should have issued at least a yellow card to the Man City player, his actions were at a minimum reckless.“
Red cards have been given for similar actions to Cherki vs Leeds United
It is quite baffling that a red card wasn’t shown to Cherki, considering Premier League referees have shown them for similar offences even this season.
Kevin Schade was sent off against Aston Villa earlier in the campaign for standing on Matty Cash in a tangle of legs.
That was disputed at the time, but it feels as if the right decision was made.
The same can’t be said for the Man City man, as he avoided his marching orders despite quite a deliberate stamp on Gruev.
It is unclear what sort of impact that could have had on proceedings, but it is frustrating for Farke and Co. nonetheless.
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