Elliot Anderson, a midfielder for Nottingham Forest, challenged Phil Foden, causing the Manchester City star to roll around in agony.
In the first half of Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester City, Phil Foden felt the full power of an Elliot Anderson assault. (Photo credit: Getty Images) )
According to reports, VAR considered Elliot Anderson’s challenge on Phil Foden in the first half of Manchester City’s 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest to be a “normal kicking action.”
Chris Kavanagh, the match referee, did not even issue a yellow card to the Forest player for the tackle that caused Foden to roll around on the City Ground pitch. A VAR check seems to have taken place, most likely in anticipation of a potential red card.
Video assistant referee Darren England and his assistant, Akil Howson, did not, however, appear to conclude that Kavanagh had committed a glaring error. Following the tackle, Foden persisted, but Kevin De Bruyne eventually took his position.
However, Joleon Lescott felt that the incident appeared worse on the replays than it did when he originally saw it.
“Initially, I thought it was just a block tackle; the impact from that would have hurt Phil, but having seen this image, I am a little bit more sceptical of his intent,” he remarked on TNT Sports at halftime.
"It's not as normal as it may appear"
Should there have been further action taken for this Elliot Anderson tackle on Phil Foden? 🧐
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/vUKsAUDhLa
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 8, 2025
In order to clarify, host Lynsey Hipgrave added, “They said it was a normal kicking action.” However, Lescott didn’t agree with their assertion.
He stated: “The trajectory of the ball was across the floor, so for me, the fact that his leg is raised and has risen into the leg of Foden would mean that’s not as normal as it may appear.”
But according to co-commentator Ally McCoist, Lescott was exaggerating.
“Somebody needs to get Joleon a cup of tea and sit him down and calm him down,” said McCoist.
“Yes, he does follow through; there is some follow-through, but overall, I don’t think there is any question about it.
“I honestly believe that he is fortunate not to injure himself. Although I understand Joleon’s perspective, I don’t believe that anything more was necessary.
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