The Premier League have explained why Aston Villa were awarded a penalty to draw them level against Manchester City. Jacob Ramsey’s appeal for a spot-kick was initially waved away by referee Craig Pawson, but he awarded Villa a penalty after being sent to the pitchside monitor by the VAR.
After bursting into the box at speed, Ramsey fell to the floor following some contact from City defender Ruben Dias. Pawson was sent for a second look at the incident by VAR John Brooks and didn’t take long to change his initial decision, despite Dias getting a toe on the ball.
A replay of Dias’ challenge was shown on the big screen at the Etihad Stadium, prompting loud jeers from the stands and further protestations by the City players. Pep Guardiola was also furious with the decision and was shown a yellow card for his protestations, which came after Marcus Rashford coolly slotted his effort into the bottom corner.
The Premier League Match Centre account on X wrote: “VAR checked the referee’s call of no penalty to Aston Villa for a challenge by Dias on Ramsey – and deemed there was a clear trip and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned the original decision and awarded a penalty to Aston Villa.”
Speaking at half-time on Sky Sports, Roy Keane said: “I know City are fuming, he gets a little slight touch, but he still takes him out. He’s holding his arms up, but he catches him. He’s got no chance of getting the ball. Pep’s clearly frustrated, the fans are here, Villa showed a good reaction after going a goal down and I think it’s a penalty.”
The goal brought Villa level at 1-1 following Bernardo Silva’s early opening goal for the home side in the Premier League game. Silva put City 1-0 up in the seventh minute after his tame effort somehow found its way through the grasp of Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
Villa weren’t behind for long, though, with Rashford’s penalty coming after 18 minutes. The on-loan Manchester United striker staggered his run-up and calmly sent Stefan Ortega the wrong way.
“Marcus Rashford has a good record here,” Gary Neville said on co-commentary for Sky Sports.
“He is fuming Pep Guardiola. He has just been booked. 70-odd minutes to go and Villa are level. He is really cool here. He waits for Stefan Ortega to move and shift. Composed as you like.”
The goal could be crucial in the race for European places in the Premier League, with both City and Villa fighting to qualify for the Champions League next season.
Silva’s goal had sent City up to third in the Premier League before Rashford’s equaliser popped their bubble.
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