Sergio Aguero, Fernandinho Given Red Cards vs. Chelsea: Latest Details, Reaction
Tensions flared at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday lunchtime, as Manchester City duo Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho were both sent off in the 3-1 loss against Chelsea in the Premier League.
At the end of a breathless match, frustration got the better of Aguero, who recklessly hacked down David Luiz. Referee Anthony Taylor showed the forward a red card for the challenge, and in the subsequent scuffle, Fernandinho shoved Cesc Fabregas over the hoarding and was also given his marching orders.
Chelsea came from behind to win a thrilling game, with second-half goals from Diego Costa, Willian and Eden Hazard cancelling out Gary Cahill’s own goal in first-half stoppage time. The Blues are four points clear at the top of the Premier League.
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It was a testing day for City, who felt aggrieved by the referee in the first period after Luiz went unpunished despite appearing to block Aguero from sprinting through on goal.
Nevertheless, there was a nastiness about the striker’s tackle as the game spiralled away from the home side.
Sportswriter Ryan Bailey thought Luiz was lucky to avoid serious injury as a result of the tackle:
Fantasy football players won't be happy with Aguero's antics:
As is often the case after such tackles, there was a fracas between the players thereafter. Nathaniel Chalobah charged over to defend Luiz. Fernandinho took things too far, though, as he gripped Fabregas around the neck and pushed him up against the advertisement boards.
The Brazilian, who put in some full-blooded challenges during the game, was shown red and then ushered down the tunnel.
Get West London's Dan Levene noted it was Diego Costa, of all people, who tried to keep the peace in the fracas:
The red cards mean Aguero and Fernandinho are set to miss some key games for City. Pep Guardiola’s men face Leicester City, Watford and then a vital fixture against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in their next three Premier League games.
Per BBC Sport's Simon Stone, Aguero will likely receive a four-game ban, having already received a three-game suspension for violent conduct earlier in the campaign.
