Sergio Aguero dodges FA rap after grabbing assistant ref Sian Massey-Ellis on shoulder during Man City vs Arsenal
SERGIO AGUERO went unpunished after grabbing assistant referee Sian Massey-Ellis on the shoulder.
The Manchester City forward was arguing a throw in decision given to Arsenal.
As he passed Massey-Ellis, the Argentine put his hand on her shoulder.
The contact with brief, but in 2016 a new set of rules were brought in to protect officials.
Any physical contact with a referee or assistant warrants either a yellow or a red depending on its severity.
The same applies for abusing them verbally or reacting aggressively to decisions.
Aguero, however, will not be punished retrospectively after the FA revealed no formal action was required.
Announcing the rule changes four years ago, a statement on the Premier League website said: “Premier League football, and the wider game in England, is known for being competitive and compelling, but also for its fairness and for being played in the right spirit.
“However, the English football authorities have noticed over the past four seasons that intolerable behaviour by players and managers in their competitions have reached unacceptable levels in certain areas.
“The Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) will take a stronger position and action towards unacceptable participant conduct.
“This will focus on behaviour towards match officials, with the aim of reducing disrespectful conduct such as aggressively challenging decisions or running from distance to confront an official.”
The Manchester City boss was unhappy to be even asked about Aguero’s actions and said: “Come on guys, come on.
“Sergio is the nicest person I have ever met in my life, so look for problems in other situations and not in this one.
“We are incredibly happy Sergio is back. After four months out he is still a way from his best condition but he got 60 minutes today and that’s good.
“We have another game in the Champions League on Wednesday and it’s important to have him available again.
“We need his goals and we need his performances.”
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Fans online were quick to point out Aguero’s breach of the rules.
One said: “Aguero should’ve been booked for grabbing Sian Massey-Ellis like that.”
Another said: “Aguero should have been yellow carded for what he did to Sian Massey.”
One added: “Don’t know what Aguero is thinking there putting his hands on Sian.”
Aguero putting his hands on Sian Massey is so out of order
— Imo(@Marvmerels) October 17, 2020