One goal after another, but England are dealing with Haaland’s sharp foul. Should he have been sent off?

Erling Haaland is shattering Premier League records and is clearly Europe’s top scorer with 21 league goals, but he could have been red-carded in Saturday’s game against Everton. According to the former referee, he was rightly given a yellow card for a harsh foul.

Manchester dominated against Everton from the opening minutes, culminating in the 24th minute. The unstoppable Erling Haaland fired through not only Jordan Pickford in the whitewash but also Conor Coady standing on the touchline.

The Citizens’ pressure continued, with the home side looking to add an insurance goal as quickly as possible. In the 44th minute, after a standard situation, John Stones struck the right-hand post and, with the ball at the by-line, the visiting Vitaly Mykolenko shot down Haaland with a slip.

From the first shot, a red card was on offer as the Norwegian striker flew into the fray like a missile. The sending off was vehemently demanded by the away players as the Ukrainian back was on the ground.

The on-field referee Andy Medley drew only a yellow card and probably rightly so. The main camera shot was distorted and looked so threatening mainly because Haaland was in a full sprint.

“For me it’s a yellow card as well. He went in with one foot and didn’t lift the other in the air. It was reckless but not dangerous. Madley read it correctly,” former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher told Sky Sports.

After the sides changed sides, Everton struck from Demarai Gray’s free-kick on the first major opportunity and were able to concentrate more on defending again. They were able to do so thanks to excellent performances from stopper James Tarkowski and goalkeeper Pickford.

In the end, Everton held on for the 12th minute and took a valuable point from the Etihad Stadium for a 1-1 draw. However, the Citizens eventually felt aggrieved when Issa Gueye’s tackle on Riyad Mahrez went unnoticed.

“He stepped on it without question, but was it enough for a penalty? In my opinion, no, and given the way referees are taught to be tolerant of defenders, it was the right decision,” Gallagher added.

Sky Sports, Premier League