Many Aston Villa fans have taken to social media to slam Graham Scott’s decision to caution Jack Grealish following an incident with Raheem Sterling during the first-half of their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s Sky Blues had controlled possession for much of the first-half during the Saturday afternoon early kick-off, but went in at the break with the scoreline level at nil-nil.
Sterling had a chance to break through and test Tom Heaton in the Villans’ net ten minutes before the break, when the England winger sought to catch Dean Smith’s travelling side on the counter with a blistering run down the left-wing.
Grealish matched Sterling stride for stride as the attacking midfielder tracked back to help teammate Frederic Guilbert defensively, but would see his efforts attract the attention of referee Scott when the Man City forward went to ground.
Replays showed minimal contact was made between Grealish and Sterling to force the Citizens star to the turf, with the pair touching arms before Sterling appeared to slip on the wet grass (Guardian).
It was the first incident to receive a yellow card, before Grealish gave away later fouls which could have led to a red. The 24-year-old was involved in further incidents when he fouled David Silva after losing possession in a dangerous area, and collided with Joao Cancelo after overrunning the ball in the second-half.
Smith would be forced to replace the Birmingham-born creator in the 84th-minute, before witnessing Man City’s Fernandinho shown a second yellow card after pulling back Keinan Davis following an early caution for a foul on Grealish.
Villa fans were clear in their views that Scott was wrong to caution Grealish in the first-half, with one suggesting the Premier League should investigate the incident for simulation on Sterling’s half.
Here are some of the messages shared…
You going to have a look at that @sterling7 dive? Ends up getting Grealish booked for pointing out that he’s a cheat? #AVFC
— Phil Roberts (@iamVilla) October 26, 2019
Grealish booked because Sterling flops over like a fish…makes sense #AVFC #MCIAVL
— Cole – TalkAstonVilla (@TalkAstonVilla) October 26, 2019
Simulation 100%
— TheFace (@TheFace34) October 26, 2019
so, sterling can shove who he likes, no foul, grealish runs past him grazes his shoulder whistle goes. ThT consistency gremlin a? #avfc
— Andy J (@AndyJ93519624) October 26, 2019
Grealish booked for pulling down a player when both arms are by his side… 👀 #avfc
— Kevin Hughes (@KevHughesie) October 26, 2019
Grealish getting booked for Sterling falling over… ok
— ~ (@sam_avfc1) October 26, 2019
Booked Grealish for running along side sterling hmm ok luv that’s clownery
— Em (@emmAvfc) October 26, 2019
Grealish booked after the referee gave a free kick for something that wasn’t a free kick #avfc
— thevillazone (@thevillazone) October 26, 2019
