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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport

You are the Ref No342: Kevin de Bruyne

Click to enlarge, and debate the strip below the line.

Keith Hackett's verdict

1) Stop play immediately and send off both defenders for violent conduct. The striker has been badly let down by his colleagues here – their idiocy has denied him the chance to score. And not only that, they have also handed the opposition a great chance, as you have to restart play with an indirect free-kick from where the defenders were fighting, inside their own penalty area. Thanks to Mike Herbert.
2) Stop play and show the defender a yellow card. It's not a red card for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity because defenders are allowed to make clean tackles – his only offence here is coming on to the field without permission. Restart with an indirect free-kick to the attacking team from where he entered play. Thanks to David Millward.
3) Without hesitation, show the defender a red card for his disgusting behaviour, and point to the penalty spot. This is just like a sliding challenge which begins outside the penalty area but makes contact with an opponent inside the area – the offence take place at the point of contact. Andrew Raisbeck wins the shirt.

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