Tyrone Mings has defeated what he sees as a “zero” upside rule after Aston Villa lost to Manchester City on Wednesday.
Villa were beaten 2-0 on Wednesday, with Bernardo Silva opening the scoring after 79 minutes before Gabriel Jesus scored a late penalty.
The first goal was controversial, however, as midfielder Rodri came from a steep position to steal the ball from Mings after a goal from Silva.
Rodri then brought the ball back to the Portuguese international, who went on fire past Emiliano Martinez, prompting complaints from Villa boss Dean Smith.
Villa’s manager was fired for his comment while going on to slam later than what he saw as a “farcical” decision.
However, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher says Villa ‘s frustration should be directed to the International Football Association Board (IFAB), not VAR, as the referee explained the rule to right.
According to Gallagher, Mings’ control of the ball allows Rodri to challenge him from a leg position, which is exactly what happened in the run up to the goal.
And, after the game, Mings took to Twitter to dismiss the rule with the rule while admitting that he should have removed the ball anyway.
“He hasn’t even heard of that rule,” he tweeted. “Just let players stand up to each other, then run back and deal with you? Looking back I should have been cleared, 100%, but I didn’t even know that was the case. it was. Nonsense. “
Haven’t you even heard about that rule, just let players resist, then run back & deal with you? Looking back I should have been cleared, 100%, but I didn’t even know that was true. Nonsense https://t.co/2UiFEV9eqH
– Tyrone Mings (@ OfficialTM_3) January 20, 2021
Smith was also upset once the rule was explained to him, although he does not blame Manchester City for taking advantage of the situation.
“I would expect my players to put the ball in the back of the net as well, so it’s not against Manchester City players at all,” he said.
“I don’t understand the rule. If someone is upside down and they are taking advantage of that upside down situation by dealing with it from behind, surely that is upside down?
“I don’t think there’s anyone in this stadium but the officials who think that’s the goal. That is why we are so sorry.
“Manchester City have had a lot of opportunities, they are a good team and we have never broken property as well as we usually will.
“I thought we started the second half very slowly, but they missed the chances. They didn’t put the ball in the back of the net and we got some really good blocks into it.
“Our gamekeeper made some great savings. So it’s very hard to lose the game on two such decisions. “