Former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher has claimed that referee Craig Pawson was correct to only give Nicolas Otamendi a yellow card for a high boot on Harry Kane.
During the first half of Saturday's clash at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City defender Otamendi caught Tottenham Hotspur striker Kane in the face with his boot on the touchline, leading to calls from the visitors for the Argentine centre-back to be sent off.
However, Gallagher has suggested that the referee made the right decision by insisting that there appeared to be "no malice" in the challenge.
Gallagher told Sky Sports News: "100% no. It's a high boot and I think he has gone for the ball. He's reckless. He's there and he hasn't gone towards the player. There is no intensity or malice.
"He hasn't caught him with his studs. It's just a reckless, reckless challenge and I think Craig is absolutely right to give a yellow card."
Three second-half goals would lead to City prevailing by a 4-1 scoreline in the North-West.
Darren Plant
