Anthony Taylor Let Down Over Diogo Dalot Controversy in Man United vs Man City

In a heated Manchester derby on January 17, 2026, referee Anthony Taylor faced intense criticism for his decision to caution Diogo Dalot with only a yellow card instead of a red for a controversial challenge on Manchester City's Jeremy Doku.[2][3][4][5]

The incident occurred early in the match when Dalot lunged knee-high at Doku, who was attempting to shift the ball away. Doku fell in pain, but Taylor deemed it a yellow card offense, citing a lack of excessive force. VAR reviewed the play and upheld the decision, allowing Dalot to stay on the pitch.[2][3]

Manchester City fans erupted in fury online, labeling the tackle as "dangerous" and demanding a sending-off. Pundit Gary Neville called it "not good," noting it was "knee high" and "very late," though acknowledging Dalot was targeting the ball while Doku proved too quick.[2][4]

Former referee Mike Dean was outspoken, claiming Dalot "deserved a red card" and questioning Taylor's judgment alongside VAR's failure to intervene. This echoed broader scrutiny of Taylor's refereeing in the derby, with reports highlighting three decisions he allegedly got wrong.[1][5]

The Premier League issued a statement addressing the Dalot controversy, but it did little to quell the debate. City supporters fumed over what they saw as leniency toward United's Portugal international, turning the tackle into the game's dominant talking point.[3][4]

Critics argue the decision undermined refereeing consistency, with ex-refs chiefs and analysts piling on Taylor for letting Dalot escape harsher punishment. The fallout continues to dominate headlines, spotlighting ongoing VAR and officiating concerns in the Premier League.[1][5]

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