Aston Villa manager Dean Smith launched a furious blast at the officials after Bernardo Silva’s controversial late goal inspired Manchester...
Aston Villa manager Dean Smith launched a furious blast at the officials after Bernardo Silva’s controversial late goal inspired Manchester City’s 2-0 win on Wednesday.
Pep Guardiola’s side found it hard to pierce Villa’s stubborn defence at the rain-lashed Etihad Stadium.
Silva finally made the breakthrough in the 79th minute with his first Premier League goal since July.
Smith was sent to the stands after a furious complaint that Rodri should have been given offside in the build-up to Silva’s goal.
Ilkay Gundogan’s penalty ensured City made it nine successive wins in all competitions as they extended their unbeaten run to 16 matches.
After the match, the Professional Game Match Officials organisation issued a statement explaining that, by the letter of the law, Rodri had not gained an advantage because Villa’s Tyrone Mings played the ball first.
That didn’t placate Smith, who raged: “It was a farcical decision. I’ve not seen a goal like that given. It needs to be looked at. I don’t think anyone in this stadium thought it was a goal.
“Are we just going to leave players behind the line then? He was 10 yards offside and come back and tackled our player, it’s a pathetic law and a pathetic decision.”
During the protest that led to his dismissal, Smith revealed he...
