Leandro Trossard was sent off during Arsenal’s match against Manchester City in a controversial incident at the Etihad Stadium.
Referee Michael Oliver issued a second yellow card to Trossard for kicking the ball away, citing the delay in restarting the match as the reason.
According to John Cross from The Mirror, Trossard told his teammates that he didn’t hear the referee’s whistle and was attempting to play a pass. He conveyed the same explanation to Oliver but was still dismissed, a decision that has faced criticism from the media and fans alike.
This marks another instance of an Arsenal player receiving a red card for delaying the restart, following Declan Rice’s similar fate against Brighton earlier in the season, which ended in a disappointing draw for Arsenal.
Trossard’s sending off significantly impacted the match, making it difficult for Arsenal to challenge Manchester City. The Gunners defended their lead throughout the second half but ultimately conceded a late goal to John Stones, resulting in a draw.
Frustration with the officiating was palpable among Arsenal fans and players, who felt they missed a chance for a memorable victory against the reigning champions. Despite their valiant effort in the second half, Trossard’s dismissal was pivotal in the match’s outcome.
