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City striker Sergio Agüero caused a stir with a questionable move
Photo:
Martin Rickett / dpa
During the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal on Saturday evening (1-0), a scene with Sergio Agüero sparked discussions: In the 41st minute, assistant referee Sian Massey-Ellis had thrown in for Arsenal.
The following shows how the city attacker tries to claim the decision in front of her, then he walks next to her and grabs her neck.
It looks like it's squeezing slightly.
Massey-Ellis gently pushes Aguero away as he moves away.
The action remained without consequence, although the rules of the English Association since 2016 provide for at least a yellow card in the event of physical contact with a referee.
It is unclear whether referee Chris Kavanagh has heard of Agüero's action against his assistant.
"One of the nicest people"
Agüero's coach Pep Guardiola defended his player after the game: "Come on guys. Sergio is the nicest person I've ever met in my life. Looks for problems in other situations, not this one," said Guardiola.
Former England striker Gary Lineker said on the BBC that Aguero shouldn't have touched the linesman.
Arsenal icon Ian Wright agreed with Lineker: "What was that? Unnecessary and patronizing", "very uncomfortable", he is quoted in the Guardian.
There is also criticism in the social networks under the numerous shared video, both of Agüero's behavior, the lack of sanction and Guardiola's defense.
The referee podcast "Collinas Erben" rated the action on Twitter as at least worthy of yellow.
Agüero had initiated the winning goal by Raheem Sterling (23rd minute) in his first outing after a four-month injury break.
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