Understanding the Confusing Late Incident: Why Man Utd's Diogo Dalot Was Sent Off vs Liverpool

In Manchester United's goalless draw against Liverpool, Diogo Dalot received a red card for dissent. The 24-year-old was issued two yellow cards in quick succession during the 94th minute at Anfield. Dalot expressed disbelief when Liverpool were awarded a throw-in, as he believed the decision should have gone in favor of United. Frustrated, the right-back raised his arms in the air, leading to his dismissal.

Upon reviewing the replays, it became evident that Diogo Dalot's complaints were justified as the ball seemed to have last touched Mohamed Salah before going out of play. Initially, Dalot was booked for his reaction to the decision, expressing his frustration. However, referee Michael Oliver subsequently issued him a second yellow card for persistently voicing his annoyance.

Despite Diogo Dalot's dismissal, Manchester United managed to hold on and secure a 0-0 draw, meaning the incident did not significantly impact the outcome of the match.

elivering his opinion on the incident, Gary Neville told Sky Sports: "That first shout, yes, it's a booking fair enough. It all feels like it's the same thing to me, Michael Oliver has created something there that he doesn’t need to.

"The first booking is absolutely fine, it's an aggressive reaction and he should be booked for that but it's all the same motion. He’s been sent off… I've never seen that before but it is what it is."

Jamie Carragher agreed with Neville and believes Oliver could have handled the incident differently. "For me, Michael Oliver is the best referee in the Premier League but it’s a strange one, he could have handled it differently," Carragher said. "I think just go over to him, have a stern word with him, I don’t think he needed to do that."

During the co-commentary for Sky Sports, there was a light-hearted moment when Mike Dean responded to Gary Neville's question about Diogo Dalot's red card. Neville asked about the meaning of "dissent twice," to which Dean playfully replied, "It means he's done it twice, Gary."

Dean then went on to explain the circumstances leading to Dalot's dismissal. He noted that Dalot was visibly frustrated by a throw-in decision that went against Manchester United, expressing his displeasure through his actions. Dean himself believed that the decision should have favored United. In addition to his actions, Dalot also reportedly said something to the referee after receiving the initial yellow card, which likely contributed to his sending off.

Erik ten Hag refused to comment on Dalot's red card, though he did praise United's defensive performance. "There were a lot of [positive] aspects, absolutely," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. I think the performance was very good from our side. The game-plan went well, the players were brilliant how they stuck together and were in the fight."

United boss Ten Hag was left a little frustrated about how his side performed in possession, however. "My only criticism would be in possession we could hurt them more, if you get one, two, three passes in," he said. "But that's the only thing. If we scored one of the big opportunities we could have won this game."