Michael Oliver Opens Up: The Full Story Behind Trossard’s Controversial Red Card
The match between Manchester City and Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, September 22, 2024, was nothing short of all ingredients that keep football fans glued to their screens. It ended in a pulsating 2-2 draw with goals from Erling Haaland, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel, and the final equalizer, superbly struck in injury time, from John Stones. Yet, the talking point of the game was the red card handed to Leandro Trossard, which raised eyebrows amid the heat of action on and off the field.
In the article that follows, we go a little in-depth into what indeed happened on the pitch during that match and hear from referee Michael Oliver himself why he sent Leandro Trossard off-a decision that has left football fans abuzz, particularly supporters of Arsenal.
The Trossard Red Card Incident: What Really Happened?
The first half of the match was pretty intense, and within the 45 minutes of the game, Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard was given a red card by referee Michael Oliver. Many people in the crowd thought that was because he kicked the ball after the whistle, but Oliver would later explain that there was more to it.
“I didn’t just send him off because he kicked the ball away,” Oliver explained. “There were a number of factors in the mix, and I had to make a judgment call on the events leading up to that moment.”.
However, the referee’s decision started an uproar, especially in the stands of Arsenal fans who felt their team was being slighted. Some have said that players from Manchester City were committing fouls enough to earn a red card, especially Erling Haaland, but he has gotten away scot-free from serious punishment. Oliver’s decision raised some eyebrows, and some fans have gone so far as to call him biased.
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The shocking revelation from Oliver left the football fraternity surprised. “I’ve been a Manchester City fan for years. Many people said that Haaland did something that deserved a red card, but I didn’t give him one because I hate Arsenal,” Oliver said mockingly to the press, before clearing his mind that he actually did not hate the club. “It’s not because I hate Arsenal. Great team, but let’s be realistic, Arsenal is like the junior team for Manchester City. It just isn’t supposed to go that the junior team beats up on the senior.
While light-hearted, these comments still served to fan the flames of debate regarding referee impartiality in high-stakes matches.
Despite the controversial sending off, Arsenal remained resilient throughout the match, holding their own against Manchester City, a team that has been dominating the Premier League for the past few years. Riccardo Calafiori’s goal in the 22nd minute and Gabriel’s brilliant header just before halftime kept Arsenal’s hopes alive. However, with even one man down, they failed to retain the lead as John Stones secured a last-minute equalizer for City.
While talented and spirited, the Arsenal players were outplayed by Manchester City, led by the unstoppable Erling Haaland. “Arsenal is a good team,” Oliver said. “But City dominated the game.
The debate on Trossard’s red card has continued to rage, with many fans still convinced that in context, it was an unfair decision, with several other Manchester City players getting away scot-free for equally terrible fouls. Oliver defended the call: “There are things that happen on the pitch that fans don’t always see. It wasn’t just the kick-there were other elements to consider.”
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