EPL: Kovacic should have been sent off against Arsenal – Howard Webb

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) chief, Howard Webb, has admitted Michael Oliver should have sent off Manchester City’s Mateo Kovacic during their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.

Kovacic was shown a yellow card in the first half for a dangerous tackle on Martin Odegaard.

The Croatian midfielder then escaped a second booking for a foul on Declan Rice.

Webb, speaking on Mic’d Up, said: “I do [think he was fortunate]. I mean, obviously, the VAR can’t get involved; a second yellow is not something the VAR is able to get involved in but I think he was an extremely fortunate player to stay on the field of play.

“The referee, one of our best referees, one of the best referees in the world, Michael Oliver, will no doubt review that.”