By:
Mark Hendry
Keith Andrews was left bemoaning a Manchester City red card reprieve vs Brentford on Wednesday night.
The Bees suffered defeat to the Citizens in the quarter finals of the tournament at the Etihad.
The game ended 2-0 to City but was filled with controversy from within the first 15 minutes of action.
Defender Abdukodir Khusanov wiped out Kevin Schade who was haring in on goal with the match still goalless.
But the referee opted only to show Khusanov a yellow card for his actions which frustrated the away support as well as Andrews and his staff.
It was a major moment in the game which, had it been a red, may well have gone a completely different way.
Keith Andrews was raging Abdukodir Khusanov wasn’t sent off for Man City vs Brentford
And that was Andrews’ point of view at full-time as he lashed out at the whistler for the decision.
“I’m very quick to defend officials generally, it’s such a difficult job, but that one they didn’t get right.
“The explanation was that the touch being too far away from goal doesn’t quite sit well with me after watching it back because he’s clean through on goal.
“If it’s a red card it’s a big advantage for us obviously, but we’ll never know.”
Andrews’ frustration was understandable, but City boss Pep Guardiola wasn’t so convinced.
The Spanish coach did take it in his stride, however, as he opened an invitation to the Irishman.
The rookie Brentford coach was invited by Pep to have a private coffee chat to discuss the incident.
Man City in Carabao Cup semi finals
Winking to the media in attendance after the match, Guardiola said: “Yeah OK.
“Tomorrow, in the training ground, I’ll invite him for a coffee to discuss that with him.”
City would, in the end, find the game comfortable enough to make it into the semi-final of the tournament.
It was Rayan Cherki who whipped in a stunning strike to open the scoring for his side with his fourth goal of the season.
And winger Savinho added to the tally to seal entry into the next round.
The ref blunder was subject of much debate as it was down only to ref Sam Barrott to make the call.
That was because VAR does not come into the decision making in the Carabao Cup until the semis.
Defender Khusanov was spotted by Sky Sports’ cameras looking mightily relieved after his challenge.
The Uzbek central defender, 21, puffed out his cheeks when he realised he’d only be booked for the tackle.
City will now play either Newcastle, Chelsea or the winner of Arsenal vs Crystal Palace in the final four.
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