Skip to content

Neil Warnock says Manchester City are guilty of 'horrendous' tackles

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Neil Warnock believes some 'horrendous' tackles by Manchester City have gone unpunished

Cardiff manager Neil Warnock has claimed Manchester City are guilty of "horrendous" challenges as the uproar over last month's controversial FA Cup tie continues.

Joe Bennett was the subject of criticism after the Bluebirds defender was guilty of a late challenge on Leroy Sane in the fourth-round match which has sidelined the Germany international for up to six weeks.

Warnock has argued Pep Guardiola's side have also been guilty of some poor challenges during the campaign but the spotlight had instead focused on his side.

CARDIFF, WALES - JANUARY 28:  Leroy Sane of Manchester City is tackled by Joe Bennett of Cardiff City during The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round between Cardi
Image: Joe Bennett was guilty of a late challenge on Leroy Sane last month

"I wish they would have put a slow still of Kevin De Bruyne's tackle and studs on Jazz Richards," he said ahead of Cardiff's Sky Bet Championship match against Millwall on Friday, live on Sky Sports Football.

"And the bad tackle of Fernandinho when they played West Brom the following week. There were some horrendous tackles and nothing was said about that because there were another eight or nine games.

Fernandinho celebrates adding a second for Manchester City with Kevin De Bruyne
Image: Warnock believes challenges by Fernandinho and Kevin De Bruyne have gone unpunished

"We were unlucky on the day because Chelsea and Newcastle was the only other game and that was a damp squib."

Warnock made the remarks in response to a question about Millwall manager Neil Harris' claim that Cardiff are the most physical team in the Championship.

Also See:

Live EFL

"I think (Neil) might have said it tongue in cheek because he said to Blacky (Kevin Blackwell) that they're as physical as us and will give us a good game.

"We're genuine, go into the tackles and play some good football as well. We don't have to worry about my reputation, they play their game, they know what I want, I want to entertain, tackles, headers, shots, oohs and ahhs."

The experienced manager admitted he had "slaughtered" the Bluebirds defender after the incident but added he believed Bennett had firmly put the incident behind him.

Joe Bennett
Image: Bennett apologised to Warnock for the challenge on the Germany international

Warnock said: "I slaughtered him when I saw it, I said you do a horrific tackle like that and I get three days of hell.

"Bennett's apologised and said it wouldn't happen again and he's flying now. It's not him. He thought he was taking one for the team, but he's learned from it and apologised to me and the team.

"I don't think it's playing on his mind - he knows if it does he won't be playing. He made a mistake, held his hand up and got on with it. There's been a lot worse tackles this year."

Super 6 £1m jackpot
Super 6 £1m jackpot

Simply predict six correct scores to win Jeff's £1 million. Enter your selections for free here.

Around Sky