After the controversial red card incident involving Diogo Dalot during the Liverpool vs. Manchester United match, fans of the latter team were just as furious as the player himself. Dalot, the right defender, received two yellow cards in quick succession for dissent after protesting a stoppage-time throw-in decision in the goalless draw.
While many observers believed Dalot had a valid reason to complain, referee Michael Oliver deemed his protests to be belligerent and issued the red card for continuous dissent. Despite Liverpool’s 34 shots on goal at Anfield, Manchester United managed to salvage a draw.
The unexpecteԀ dismissal of Dalot left both fans and onlookers shocked. Some questioned the referee’s decision to show two yellow cards for dissent, viewing it as a rare mentаl breakdown among English referees. Others criticized the referee for making something out of nothing.
As Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah attempted to dribble past Dalot on the left, it appeared that the ball had come off the United defender last. In response to Oliver’s ruling, Dalot expressed disbelief and anger.
Although Dalot’s vehement protests resulted in his ejection from the game, referee Oliver has a history of issuing rapid double yellow cards. He previously dismissed Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli in a matter of seconds during a match against Wolves in February 2022.
Several analysts, including former England forward Dion Dublin, condemned Oliver’s handling of the situation involving Dalot. Dublin, speaking live on BBC Radio 5, described Dalot as “positively enraged” and expressed disbelief at the quick succession of yellow cards.
United manager Erik ten Hag and defender Raphael Varane were also taken aback by the referee’s decision. Despite losing Dalot in the final moments, Manchester United managed to hold on and secure a crucial away point. However, they remain in seventh place, trailing the league leaders by six points.
Meanwhile, Arsenal claimed the top spot in the league with a 2-0 victory over Brighton earlier in the day, pushing Liverpool into second place, just one point behind.