Sadio Mane picked up a yellow card 15 seconds into Liverpool’s clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge for a rash aerial challenge on Cesar Azpilicueta.
The Reds number 10, who scored Liverpool’s opener in the match, hit the Chelsea captain in the face with his elbow when jumping for a header.
Mane was booked by referee Anthony Taylor, allowing him to stay on the pitch to open the scoring for Liverpool.
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Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was enraged by the decision to allow Mane to stay on the pitch and Gary Neville believes the timing of the challenge was what saved the goal scorer.
"The Chelsea manager doesn't think he should be on the pitch,” said Neville while commentating on the match on Sky Sports.
“It's not a great one from Mane. It's six seconds into the game and maybe that's what helps him.
"I don't think he looks at Azpilicueta and rocks his elbow back as if he really meant it."
