Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has criticised the decision not to award a penalty to Erling Haaland during City’s 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest, insisting the challenge on the Norwegian striker was clear-cut.
With City holding a narrow lead in the second half, Haaland broke through on goal and appeared set to extend his side’s advantage. As he moved into the penalty area, he collided with Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels and fell to the ground.
Referee Darren England waved play on, judging that no foul had been committed.
The incident was checked by video assistant referee Tony Harrington, but the on-field decision stood, with no intervention recommended.
Richards, speaking on BBC Match of the Day, had little doubt about what he believed should have been given.
“It was a penalty, don’t be so ridiculous. His face said it all. Sels takes him out, it is as simple as that,” he said.
The former City defender suggested the goalkeeper’s challenge made sufficient contact to bring Haaland down and felt the reaction of the striker immediately after the incident underlined his case.
The decision quickly became a major talking point, with replays prompting debate over whether Sels made contact with the ball, the player, or both.
While some argued the collision was part of normal goalkeeping play, others believed Haaland had been denied a clear opportunity by an illegal challenge.
City supporters inside the stadium voiced their frustration, and the moment added tension to a match that was already finely balanced. Had a penalty been awarded and converted, the contest may have been put beyond Forest’s reach.
Instead, play continued and City were required to manage the remainder of the game without the cushion of a two-goal lead.
Silva and Guardiola respond to controversy
After the final whistle, City captain Bernardo Silva also questioned the outcome of the appeal, suggesting his side have not benefitted from close calls this season.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Silva said: “We are used to this [happening] this season. All the 50-50s have gone against us.
“The Erling incident – for me it is a penalty. What can Erling do? This season we are used to it. We know how it works.
“Our job is to be better. These things we cannot control. What we can control is our own performances. That is what we must focus on.”
Silva’s comments reflected a sense of frustration but also an acceptance that decisions will not always fall a team’s way. Rather than dwell on the incident, he emphasised the need for City to concentrate on aspects within their control.
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Manager Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, declined the opportunity to expand on the debate. The City boss was measured in his response when asked about the penalty claim.
“I spoke weeks ago about that subject,” he said.
“I always believe that we have to do it much better so the officials don’t intervene. It’s our responsibility to do it better, we don’t have to rely on them.
“Nothing more to say, I said it in the past.”
Guardiola’s stance was consistent with his previous approach to refereeing decisions, often preferring to focus on his team’s performance rather than public criticism of officials.
While he did not directly challenge the referee’s call, his comments suggested a belief that City must ensure matches are settled by their own standards rather than marginal decisions.
