Leeds United pulled off a memorable shock at runaway league leaders Manchester City on Saturday afternoon despite going down to 10 men in the first half.
In stoppage time, four minutes after Stuart Dallas had put Leeds in front, Liam Cooper was given his marching orders.
Why was Cooper sent off against Man City?
Referee Andre Marriner showed the centre-back a yellow card at first for his challenge on Gabriel Jesus.
Cooper appeared to get a slight touch on the ball before making contact with Jesus’ knee on the follow-through.
Marriner was told to consult the pitchside monitor and chose to upgrade the card.
Leeds will now be without their captain for their next three matches (via Leeds Live).
They face Liverpool and Manchester United in back-to-back home matches before travelling to Brighton.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men will at least take heart from their dogged display without their skipper on Saturday.
Amazon Prime Video Sport tweeted two screenshots showing Cooper’s challenge and asked if the dismissal was the correct decision.
Sheffield United defender George Baldock escaped a red card at Elland Road last week for a tackle on Tyler Roberts which former Premier League referee Mark Halsey labelled ‘reckless’ (via Yorkshire Evening Post).
Leeds fans vent fury after Cooper red
“Absolutely ridiculous decision.. won ball.. always looks worst from one angle in super slow motion.. you can’t even win ball anymore.. joke”
“Didn’t talk about this last week vs sheff United”
“VAR is Disgusting.”
“No, wins the ball cleanly and follow through hits the player who is running into Cooper, strong challenge but not dirty or malicious”
“Joke of a decision. Clearly won the ball and yes he did catch him on the follow through but never a red card.”
“Coops won the ball – He can’t help that Jesus has stuck his leg in the way – or can’t defenders go for the ball anymore?”