Keith Hackett explains why Man City star avoided 'petulant' red card vs Brentford
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Credit: Imago / beIN Sports Sat 9 May 2026 20:00, UK Michael Salisbury was correct not to issue a red card after Bernardo Silva lost control of his emotions in Manchester City‘s clash with Brentford.That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the “act of petulance” should never be enough for a sending off in the Premier League.Silva, who is set to depart the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season, lashed out at Nathan Collins after being blocked from the ball, punching the defender’s leg while still on the floor.The captain, 31, was cautioned by the referee for his head loss on the touchline, though many of the Brentford fans felt that he deserved his marching orders in Man City’s 1-0 win on Saturday, 9 May. ⚽ Man City Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, tactical previews and expert breakdowns for every Manchester City fixture. VISIT THE MATCH HUBMichael Salisbury made the correct call over Bernardo SilvaIt was the Portuguese star’s 10th booking of the Premier League campaign, and luckily for him, it was nothing more than a yellow card in the first half at the Etihad Stadium.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the potential for Silva being sent off, the former referee said: “The match official has got this one correct in issuing a yellow card.“It’s petulant and just wasn’t enough force to class it as a violent act. It easily could have been another on his record.Arsenal fans riot over Man City controversy vs BrentfordThe Premier League looks to be going right down to the wire this season, with Mikel Arteta’s side now just two points ahead with three games remaining.Arsenal must travel to the London Stadium on Sunday, 10 May, before taking on Burnley and Crystal Palace, and while all of these teams are in the bottom six spots, they won’t be easy.Bernardo Silva hits Nathan Collins but the referee says it’s not a Violent conduct and it’s only a yellow…Shameful pic.twitter.com/dZC9bVgKcZ— Adeyemi of Eruwa 🇳🇬🇬🇧 (@Adeyemi_AFC) May 9, 2026 View Tweet Absolutely insane that Bernardo wasn’t sent off.
These referees are weak on crime! pic.twitter.com/gj2jNW7113— Zah (@DaMidgetZimbo) May 9, 2026 View Tweet With all of that in mind, Arsenal supporters are absolutely furious that Silva wasn’t given his marching orders, with the captain likely to play a crucial role in the remaining games of the campaign.Of course, Gabriel Magalhaes should have been sent off for a headbutt on Erling Haaland just five games ago, so Man City fans will argue that it was simply justice served for that incident. Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Man City Insider Access Get the full story from the Etihad Stadium and CFA with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the Etihad Campus.