Former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher has acknowledged that Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany should have received a first-minute red card against Burnley.
Kompany attempted to collect a pass during the early stages of Saturday's match with the Clarets, but the Belgium international's studs made connection with Aaron Lennon's thigh.
The City centre-back was given a yellow card, and Gallagher feels that the referee must have had doubts over the nature of the challenge in order to keep Kompany on the pitch.
Gallagher told Sky Sports News: "I think it is a red card. You watch it, he comes front on, his boot is high, he is late and nowhere near the ball and the guy had to have stitches in his thigh.
"I am not saying he meant to do it, but the only thing I can think of is - I am not for one second advocating that you cannot send a player off in the first minute - but what I do think is if you are going to send a player off, you have to be sure in your mind."
City went on to claim a 5-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
Darren Plant
