Dean Smith reveals the bizarre conversation that led to his sending off at Manchester City

A furious Dean Smith has lifted the lid on the reasons of his red card during Aston Villa‘s 2-0 defeat at Manchester City, stating he asked fourth official David Coote if he and his colleagues ‘got juggling balls for Christmas‘.

Smith and his Villa side were incensed when Bernardo Silva’s controversial opener was allowed to stand in Wednesday’s night Premier League encounter.

In the build-up to the Silva’s 79th-minute goal, his City team-mate Rodri was initially offside in the move before he dispossessed Villa centre back Tyrone Mings. From that resulting passage of play he then assisted Silva who curled a stunning effort home.

Referee Jon Moss and VAR official Andy Madley allowed the goal to stand much to Smith’s frustration, who saw on the pitchside monitors that Rodri came from a clear offside position.

Rodri had taken advantage of a caveat in the laws whereby an attacking player is played onside at the point a defender intentionally plays the ball.

However, Smith was aghast at the decision and let his feelings be known to first Coote and then Moss which resulted in two quick yellow cards.

‘I still don’t understand the rule if I’m honest,’ the livid Villa boss said post-match. ‘I don’t think anybody can tell me why the goal’s been given; he’s taken advantage of an offside position.

‘It’s 10 yards offside, he comes back and tackles Mings from behind. What’s Mings meant to do, let it go through or do we just stand 10 yards offside in the next few games now? I don’t understand…….read more

Source: Mail Online