BBC pundit Rob Green has criticised the referee’s decision not to send off Lesley Ugochukwu during Manchester City’s goalless first half against Southampton on Saturday, calling it a “complete cop out.”
Rob Green: Referee Made a Huge Error in Man City vs Southampton Match
The incident occurred shortly before the break at St Mary’s Stadium, where City, unbeaten in their last nine matches, were hoping to continue their push for Champions League qualification.
Pep Guardiola’s side lacked their usual urgency, and the first half offered little in terms of excitement or goalmouth action.
However, one major talking point emerged when Ugochukwu, on loan from Chelsea, picked up a yellow card in the 43rd minute for a late tackle on Mateo Kovacic.
Moments later, he blatantly blocked a quick free-kick from City — typically a clear yellow-card offence. To the disbelief of several City players and pundits alike, referee John Brooks chose not to issue a second booking.
“Lesley Ugochukwu should be off. It is a complete cop out from the referee,” said former England goalkeeper Rob Green on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Bernardo Silva is remonstrating with the referee, saying, ‘Come on, what’s the craic?’”
Kevin De Bruyne and Silva were also seen confronting the official as the players left the field for half-time.
Southampton interim boss Simon Rusk seemingly agreed with the pundits and opposition players, choosing to substitute Ugochukwu before the second half resumed — a decision that subtly acknowledged the risk of playing him further.
For City fans, this marks the second week in a row where they feel an opposition player was lucky to stay on the pitch.
Last weekend, Jamie Carragher argued that Wolves defender Rayan Ait-Nouri should’ve been shown red for a reckless foul on Silva, though City eventually won that game.
Had Ugochukwu been dismissed, the dynamic of the match could have shifted significantly in City’s favour.
Instead, the decision — or lack thereof — once again left fans and pundits questioning the consistency of officiating in high-stakes Premier League fixtures.
