Controversy at Anfield: Why Guéhi’s Foul on Salah Sparked Red Card Debate
Liverpool’s clash with Manchester City was packed with intensity, quality, and drama — but one moment in particular has dominated post-match discussions: Marc Guéhi’s foul on Mohamed Salah that many believe should have resulted in a red card.
The incident occurred during a dangerous Liverpool transition, with Salah accelerating into space and bearing down on goal. As the Egyptian forward pushed past the defensive line, Guéhi made contact from behind, pulling Salah back and halting the attack before it could fully develop.
The Referee’s Decision
The referee judged the challenge to be a yellow-card offence, awarding Liverpool a free kick and allowing the game to continue. VAR checked the incident but chose not to intervene, a decision that immediately drew frustration from Liverpool players, staff, and supporters.
Why Many Believe It Should Have Been Red
Under the Laws of the Game, a player can be sent off for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO). Those arguing for a red card point to several key factors:
Salah was moving directly toward goal
He had control of the ball and momentum
The foul came from behind
The challenge stopped a clear attacking opportunity
From this perspective, the foul ticked multiple DOGSO criteria, making a red card not only justified but expected.
The Counter-Argument
Officials may have viewed the situation differently. In similar cases, referees often consider whether:
Another defender could have recovered
The attacker still had work to do before a shot
The foul occurred far enough from goal
These interpretations often lead to yellow cards instead of reds — especially in high-profile matches where officials lean toward caution.
Fan and Pundit Reaction
Reaction online was swift and divided. Many Liverpool fans described the decision as inconsistent, pointing to previous matches where similar fouls resulted in straight red cards. Others acknowledged that, while controversial, the call aligned with how such incidents are often judged in modern Premier League refereeing.
A Moment That Shifted the Narrative
While the match itself delivered plenty of talking points, this decision became a defining moment — one that left Liverpool feeling aggrieved and reignited broader debates about consistency, VAR intervention, and the application of DOGSO rules.
Whether it was a missed red card or a justifiable yellow, one thing is certain: the Guéhi-Salah incident will be replayed, debated, and dissected long after the final whistle.
