Manchester City’s clash with Aston Villa went into the halftime break with the contest level at 1-1.
The opening 45 minutes of the match was an even affair, which saw Omar Marmoush produce some magic for Bernardo Silva’s goal, before Marcus Rashford would equalise from the penalty spot 11 minutes later.
The awarding of the penalty was the biggest talking point of the first half as Pep Guardiola was furious that it was called against his team after Ruben Dias slightly touched Jacob Ramsey.
To help clear up the debate around the decision, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has provided his view on whether Aston Villa’s penalty was the right call.
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Mark Clattenburg clears up Jacob Ramsey penalty debate
Man City’s game with Aston Villa could have a huge impact on the Manchester club’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season, which is crucial to Guardiola if he wants to bring players such as Florian Wirtz to the Etihad Stadium this summer.
The Man City boss was furious after Villa were awarded their penalty, but Clattenburg believes the legendary coach has no argument.
Speaking exclusively to Manchester City News, the former Premier League official commented on the debate surrounding Dias’ contact with Ramsey.
“Dias of Manchester City comes across Ramsey of Aston Villa and catches his opponent on the upper body,” Clattenburg said. “The defender does touch the ball but this was after the Villa forward players had passed the ball forward onto the defender’s foot.
“This contact by the defender was not a deliberate play and the consequence of the touch by the forward. It’s a penalty for me, but it will create debate.
“Should VAR interfere, that’s another debate, and I don’t believe they should after what Howard Webb, Head of PGMOL, said earlier in the season that it needs to be a clear and obvious error of the referee. This decision is a debate and should stay with the on-field decision.”
Pundits all agree on the penalty decision in Man City vs Aston Villa
Although many of Man City’s fanbase and squad will be unhappy with the decision, every pundit is in agreement with Clattenburg on the Aston Villa penalty.
Speaking on Sky Sports at halftime, both Roy Keane and Shay Given were in agreement that the awarding of a penalty against Dias was correct.
Talksport pundit Jamie O’Hara would also back up what the Sky Sports pundits said, stating on X (formerly known as Twitter): “Not sure what they are all moaning about, it’s a stone wall penalty.”
“That right knee of Ruben Dias goes into Jacob Ramsey. I think he waits for it Ramsey – he is clever,” Gary Neville said on Sky Sports after the incident.
The debate is likely to continue beyond the full-time whistle, but it appears that the majority of people are in agreement with Craig Pawson’s decision.
