Pep Guardiola’s reaction says it all after Man City star Joao Cancelo sent off

During the first half of Manchester City’s match against Fulham on Saturday, Joao Cancelo received a straight red card for a careless shove on Harry Wilson.

Joao Cancelo was dismissed on Saturday, and Pep Guardiola’s response to the defender’s dismissal against Fulham says it all.

The Manchester City star was given the boot by referee Darren England in the 26th minute after it was determined that he had prevented the visiting Cottagers from having a clear chance to score. Prior to being shoved to the ground from behind by the recovering Cancelo, Harry Wilson had a clear shot at goal.

Despite his protestations, the decision was not overturned by VAR, with Andreas Pereira converting the resulting spot-kick to pull Fulham level after Julian Alvarez had earlier opened the scoring.

As Cancelo made his way off the pitch, Guardiola’s reaction to the sending-off was captured, with the Spanish gaffer rolling his eyes. Meanwhile, Cancelo could be seen shrugging as he continued to protest the decision.

Fans were divided over the decision on social media, with one tweeting: “In the back, no clear attempt to play the ball, and he denied a goal-scoring opportunity. The definition of a red card.”

Meanwhile, another added: “It was a red he made no attempt to play the ball and he was the last man. It was stupid.”

In contrast, one fan tweeted: “Games gone entirely way too soft.” Another also wrote: “How was that a red.”

City continued to be frustrated by Fulham after the sending-off as they pushed for a goal to re-establish their lead at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola was even forced to bring Erling Haaland and Phil Foden off the bench in the second half in search of a winner and the former had the ball in the back of the net just minutes later, only for it to be ruled out for offside by VAR.

Haaland eventually netted a winner for City, though, slotting a penalty under Bernd Leno in stoppage time after Kevin de Bruyne was tripped. The result sends Guardiola’s side top of the league ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Chelsea on Sunday.