Rio Ferdinand told BT Sport during their live coverage of Aston Villa’s defeat to Manchester City that Bernando Silva’s opening goal should have been ruled offside.
But Robbie Savage disagreed with his fellow pundit and claimed that it was a ‘terrible’ decision from Tyrone Mings to try and control the ball as Aston Villa were beaten at the Etihad in controversial circumstances.
Rodri came from an offside position to intercept the ball from Villa’s centre-£20 million back [BBC Sport] as he tried bringing the ball down. The City man then fed Silva, who curled home, as the rules state that the correct call was made.
Pep Guardiola’s men then wrapped up the game from the penalty spot and there was a disagreement in the studio about how the goal came about.
“I still think, first and foremost, it’s a terrible decision,” said Ferdinand.
Savage then asked the former Manchester United defender whether it’s a terrible decision from Mings or the referee.
Ferdinand replied and said: “From the referee. He should give an offside decision.”
Savage added: “It’s not. It’s the letter of the law. It’s a terrible decision from Mings. Poor chest control. They have defended ever so well all the game. Head it clear! Mings might think he’s offside but he’s not – it’s poor from Mings.”
Ferdinand responded further: “I guarantee that not one player on that pitch knew the rules. You see all the Aston Villa team, all arguing saying he was offside.”
Dean Smith was pretty annoyed on the touchline and was given his marching order by referee Jon Moss.
It has to be remembered that Villa haven’t played since New Year’s Day, so that was a pretty impressive performance from Smith’s side.
But the games are coming thick and fast now and their next stop will be a home clash against Newcastle United.
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