Ex-Referee Chief Explains Why VAR Did Not Intervene in Gravenberch’s Red Card Against Man City
Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett has explained why VAR did not step in following Ryan Gravenberch’s controversial red card during Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City.
The incident took place at Anfield on Sunday, October 11, when Gravenberch received a second yellow card for a challenge on Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku. His dismissal left Liverpool with 10 players and made an already difficult afternoon even more challenging for the Reds.
City took full advantage of their numerical superiority, with Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki all scoring to complete a convincing win.
Ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, new guidance had raised expectations that second-yellow-card incidents leading to red cards could be reviewed by VAR using the pitchside monitor. However, Gravenberch’s dismissal did not receive such a review.
Why VAR Did Not Step In
Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett defended the decision not to intervene, explaining that the challenge fell within the category of subjective refereeing decisions.
According to the former refereeing chief, VAR can only intervene when an incident meets the required threshold for a clear and obvious error. He suggested that Gravenberch’s challenge did not satisfy that condition.
Hackett also indicated that the referee might have made his decision too quickly. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that other officials could reasonably support the decision to show Gravenberch a second yellow card.
He emphasised that yellow-card decisions must be taken seriously, regardless of the nature of the offence involved.
Wayne Rooney Delivers His Verdict
Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney also weighed in on the controversial incident.
While Rooney felt Gravenberch’s first yellow card was harsh, he was far less sympathetic about the midfielder’s second booking, describing the decision as “naive and stupid.”
Rooney explained that even slight contact with Doku could prove costly because of the winger’s speed and momentum.
Gravenberch’s dismissal ultimately left Liverpool facing an uphill battle against Pep Guardiola’s side. The Reds struggled to cope with City after going down to 10 men, eventually suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat.
The incident has since fuelled debate among Liverpool supporters, with questions being raised about the referee’s judgement and whether the revised VAR guidance should have made a difference.
What do you think? Was Gravenberch’s second yellow card justified, or should Liverpool have received a VAR review?
