Sergio Aguero escaped punishment for making contact with lineswoman Sian Massey-Ellis in Manchester City’s 1-0 win against Arsenal on Sunday (AEDT).
The Manchester City striker, who came back after a long break, started for Pep Guardiola’s team and sparked outrage online after an uncomfortable moment with the official.
Aguero and City teammate Riyad Mahrez closed Arsenal defender Gabriel in the back corner of the field before the Brazilian center-back threw the ball from the City striker and made contact.
Massey-Ellis gave Arsenal the throw-in and Aguero, standing right in front of the assistant referee, protested aggressively.
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City star grabs line woman
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Massey-Ellis ignored Aguero’s protest and walked up the sideline before the Argentine put his left hand around the officer’s neck.
Fortunately for Aguero, Massey-Ellis was happy to continue with it.
But those who watched from home weren’t so forgiving.
“Well that was wrong … Aguero wtf,” said New Zealand international Rosie White tweeted.
“That’s not cool” James McNicholas of Athletic said.
While ITV’s Piers Morgan added: “Um, what is Aguero doing here? And why wasn’t he sent away for it? “
“‘Take your hands off her’ is my absolute first reaction to that.” ITV’s Beth Fisher said.
Guardiola quickly poured cold water on the situation.
“Come on guys,” he said. “Sergio is the nicest person I have ever met in my life. Look for problems in other situations, not this one. “
Raheem Sterling’s mid-first half goal was enough to restart City’s title challenge after failing to win two of his first three league games of the new season.
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