Brentford head coach Keith Andrews has voiced his frustration after three key refereeing decisions went against his side in a 3-0 loss to Manchester City. The result leaves City two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, but Andrews believes the match could have turned had officials made different calls.
The most contentious moment came in the 71st minute with City leading 1-0. Kevin Schade raced into the box and went down under a challenge from Matheus Nunes. Referee Michael Salisbury waved play on, and VAR James Bell did not overturn the decision. Andrews was adamant it should have been a penalty, stating, "In what world he goes down unless there's contact is beyond me. There's a goal to get us back to 1-1." He added that the explanation he heard was "not enough contact," but he questioned how much contact is required given Schade's speed and focus on goal.
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards, analyzing the incident for Sky Sports, said it was a difficult call. He noted that Schade may have clipped his own leg while running, but acknowledged contact from Nunes. Richards concluded that had the on-field decision been a penalty, it likely would not have been overturned, and vice versa.
Earlier in the match, two other decisions sparked debate. In the first half, Nunes escaped a red card after a late challenge on Schade, which Andrews felt warranted a stricter punishment. Additionally, City captain Bernardo Silva appeared to swing his arm at Brentford defender Nathan Collins following a goal kick. Collins had won the goal kick and Silva, lying on the ground, struck Collins' leg with his arm. Referee Salisbury booked Silva for "adopting an aggressive attitude," but many argued it could have been considered violent conduct. According to FA rules, violent conduct involves excessive force against an opponent when not challenging for the ball, and contact is not necessary. Collins, Brentford's captain, did not react at the time but later said the decisions gave City confidence.
Andrews summed up his frustration in his press conference, saying the penalty decision was the one he struggled to comprehend. He emphasized that Schade was running toward goal and any contact could disrupt his stride. The defeat leaves Brentford in mid-table, but the manager's criticism highlights the growing scrutiny of officiating in tight Premier League matches.
Based on reporting from SkySports | News.