Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has launched a fierce critique of referee Chris Kavanagh, labeling the official’s handling of Ryan Gravenberch’s controversial dismissal as a “poor decision” during Sunday’s 3-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester City.
The Dutch midfielder had put in an impressive shift during a tightly contested opening hour at Anfield before receiving his marching orders in the 62nd minute following a second yellow card for a foul on Jérémy Doku. However, speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher argued that the decisive root of the controversy lay in Kavanagh’s earlier, soft decision to caution Gravenberch for a routine challenge on Elliot Anderson.
“The thing that frustrates me is that he wasn’t going to give a yellow card. He only gives it when he thinks Anderson is hurt. That has nothing to do with whether a foul should or should not be a yellow card.” The red card completely altered the complexion of the match.
With Liverpool reduced to 10 men, Manchester City capitalized ruthlessly on their numerical advantage, netting three goals inside a devastating spell through Erling Haaland, Jérémy Doku, and Rayan Cherki. The heavy defeat leaves the Reds sitting ninth in the Premier League table.
Andoni Iraola’s side will now look to dust themselves down for a midweek European test against LASK in the UEFA Champions League, while Manchester City turn their focus toward a blockbuster European clash against Paris Saint-Germain.