Bernardo Silva lucky to escape red card against Newcastle says Gallagher

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher says Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva was fortunate to avoid a red card for a “reckless” challenge on Newcastle’s Dan Burn.

The Portuguese international had already been booked when he barged into the Magpies defender less than a minute later.

Despite the incident occurring moments after his first yellow card, the official chose not to dismiss the City playmaker.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, Gallagher argued that Silva showed a lack of care for his opponent.

“He takes a chance there; it’s a reckless challenge,” said Gallagher.

“He doesn’t look at the ball. The ball is not there.”

‘Silva can’t hurt Burn’

Former striker Jay Bothroyd suggested the physical disparity between the two players influenced the referee’s decision-making.

Bothroyd believes a more physically imposing player would have been sent for an early shower.

“The referee looked at the situation and thought, Silva can’t hurt Burn,” Bothroyd said.

“If it were Erling Haaland, he would’ve got a yellow card.

“The fact he is a small man is the reason he hasn’t looked at it and thought that is a yellow card.”

Pep Guardiola’s side eventually secured a crucial 2-1 victory to keep their Premier League title hopes alive.

Previous controversies

The incident at St James’ Park is the latest in a series of decisions where the reigning champions have avoided red cards this season.

Gallagher highlighted a previous tackle by Phil Foden on Fulham defender Calvin Bassey as a clear error.

The England forward was only cautioned for the challenge, which Gallagher believes endangered the opponent.

“I think it is a red card,” admitted Gallagher.

“He has caught him on the wrong foot… he has caught him on his left ankle with his studs and he is really, really lucky.”

Bothroyd agreed, comparing the incident to a similar foul by Xavi Simons on Virgil van Dijk which resulted in a straight dismissal.

Dias escapes second booking

Gallagher also pointed to an incident involving Ruben Dias during a match against Nottingham Forest in December.

The City centre-back avoided a second yellow card after fouling Igor Jesus just 18 seconds into the second half.

“I have sympathy with [Sean Dyche], I think it is a second yellow card,” Gallagher explained.

“Dias brings him down. Whether it is an accident doesn’t matter.”