Graeme Souness believes Mario Balotelli should have been sent off before scoring the winner against Tottenham.
Expert says City matchwinner should have seen red
Graeme Souness believes Mario Balotelli should not have been on the field to score the winner in Manchester City's 3-2 win over Tottenham.
The Premier League leaders secured a dramatic late victory at the Etihad Stadium when the Italian substitute was brought down in the penalty area by Ledley King deep into injury time and then stepped up to slot home from the spot.
But
Sky Sports expert Souness said Balotelli should have been sent off several minutes earlier for stamping on Scott Parker.
The Spurs midfielder fell into his path and after analysing several replays, Souness accused Balotelli of deliberately putting his studs into his opponent.
"I think he should have been off," he told
Sky Sports.
"As you're spinning, gravity takes you away from the player. He knew what he was doing and I think he's a lucky boy.
"His right leg should be coming across his left leg, but instead it goes back the other way [towards Parker].
"That's naughty."
Incident
Referee Howard Webb, who took charge of the 2010 World Cup Final between Spain and Holland, was only a few yards away from the incident.
Souness was unsure if the official had seen the stamp, but said that if he had spotted Balotelli's actions there was no excuse for not issuing a red card.
He added: "This is the thing, if you're a manager, that drives you absolutely mad about referees.
"You can't get a better place for him to see that and he chooses not to give it.
"If he deems that not to be a sending off then he shouldn't be refereeing football matches, never mind World Cup Finals.
"Maybe he doesn't see it."
