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Sadio Mane: The real reason Liverpool star was not sent off vs Crystal Palace - Gallagher
SADIO MANE had a mixed afternoon at Selhurst Park in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace today.
Gallagher has explained why Sadio Mane was not sent off in Liverpool's win over Crystal Palace
Mane was booked for diving in the first half before equalising for Liverpool early in the second.
The Senegal international then deliberately handled the ball after he believed he was fouled.
Referee Neil Swarbrick awarded a free kick to Crystal Palace for the handball but chose not to give Mane a second yellow to the dismay of the hosts’ players and fans.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher thought Swarbrick should have given the initial foul on Mane but says once that was not given, he should have sent Mane off.
I think in all that the referee loses a little bit of focus on who’s done what
Gallagher claims Swarbrick had a lapse in concentration in making his decision.
“I think the easy thing is to give a free kick to Mane there to be honest,” Gallagher told Sky Sports.
“I think that’s what it should have been in my opinion and if it had of been a free kick for Liverpool it would have all gone away and I wouldn’t be sat here talking to you now.
“But, if you watch the situation, Neil’s gone to the point, Mane goes out the back door and he’s got lost.
Man meets Sadio Mane after he gets lost in London
Dermot Gallagher says referee Neil Swarbrick lost focus when making his decision on Sadio Mane
“I think in all that the referee loses a little bit of focus on who’s done what.
“But when you see it he’s quite clearly flicked the ball away from (Andros) Townsend and (Yohan) Cabaye who would have had a chance to advance on goal.
“The expectation really was a second yellow card.”
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