Mark Clattenburg Clears Up Controversial Penalty Decision in Manchester City vs Aston Villa Clash”
Manchester City’s clash with Aston Villa saw the teams head into halftime with the score level at 1-1.
The first half of the match was evenly contested, with Omar Marmoush providing the assist for Bernardo Silva’s opening goal, before Marcus Rashford equalized from the penalty spot 11 minutes later.
The penalty decision became the main talking point, as Pep Guardiola expressed his frustration over the call, believing it was harsh after Ruben Dias made minimal contact with Jacob Ramsey.
To shed more light on the issue, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has offered his opinion on whether the penalty awarded to Aston Villa was the right call.
Clattenburg’s View on the Penalty Debate
Speaking exclusively to Manchester City News, Clattenburg shared his perspective on Dias’ contact with Ramsey.
“Ruben Dias of Manchester City makes contact with Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey, catching him on the upper body,” Clattenburg explained. “Although Dias touched the ball, it came after Ramsey had already played it forward, which caused the minimal contact. This wasn’t a deliberate action by Dias, but the forward’s play made it a penalty in my view.”
Clattenburg added, “Whether VAR should have interfered is another matter, but Howard Webb, Head of PGMOL, mentioned earlier this season that VAR should only step in for clear and obvious errors. This decision was debatable, but it was one that should remain with the on-field referee’s judgment.”
Pundits Agree with Clattenburg’s Call
Despite widespread dissatisfaction among Manchester City fans and players, Clattenburg’s view was echoed by pundits across the board. Both Roy Keane and Shay Given agreed on Sky Sports that the penalty against Dias was the correct decision.
Talksport pundit Jamie O’Hara also supported the decision, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “It’s a stone-wall penalty. Ruben Dias’ right knee goes into Jacob Ramsey—he clearly waits for it. Clever play from Ramsey.”
Gary Neville also supported the call on Sky Sports, highlighting the minimal yet clear contact by Dias on Ramsey.
While the debate around the penalty may continue, it seems most pundits and experts are in agreement that referee Craig Pawson made the right call.Mark Clattenburg Clears Up Controversial Penalty Decision in Manchester City vs Aston Villa Clash”
Manchester City’s clash with Aston Villa saw the teams head into halftime with the score level at 1-1.
The first half of the match was evenly contested, with Omar Marmoush providing the assist for Bernardo Silva’s opening goal, before Marcus Rashford equalized from the penalty spot 11 minutes later.
The penalty decision became the main talking point, as Pep Guardiola expressed his frustration over the call, believing it was harsh after Ruben Dias made minimal contact with Jacob Ramsey.
To shed more light on the issue, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has offered his opinion on whether the penalty awarded to Aston Villa was the right call.
Clattenburg’s View on the Penalty Debate
Speaking exclusively to Manchester City News, Clattenburg shared his perspective on Dias’ contact with Ramsey.
“Ruben Dias of Manchester City makes contact with Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey, catching him on the upper body,” Clattenburg explained. “Although Dias touched the ball, it came after Ramsey had already played it forward, which caused the minimal contact. This wasn’t a deliberate action by Dias, but the forward’s play made it a penalty in my view.”
Clattenburg added, “Whether VAR should have interfered is another matter, but Howard Webb, Head of PGMOL, mentioned earlier this season that VAR should only step in for clear and obvious errors. This decision was debatable, but it was one that should remain with the on-field referee’s judgment.”
Pundits Agree with Clattenburg’s Call
Despite widespread dissatisfaction among Manchester City fans and players, Clattenburg’s view was echoed by pundits across the board. Both Roy Keane and Shay Given agreed on Sky Sports that the penalty against Dias was the correct decision.
Talksport pundit Jamie O’Hara also supported the decision, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “It’s a stone-wall penalty. Ruben Dias’ right knee goes into Jacob Ramsey—he clearly waits for it. Clever play from Ramsey.”
Gary Neville also supported the call on Sky Sports, highlighting the minimal yet clear contact by Dias on Ramsey.
While the debate around the penalty may continue, it seems most pundits and experts are in agreement that referee Craig Pawson made the right call.