Aston Villa's Nicolas Jackson was shown a yellow card in the 43rd minute of Barcelona's Champions League league-phase match at Camp Nou on Tuesday evening after stamping on Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi's foot during a midfield contest for a loose ball. Cubarsi was left in pain following the challenge.
The incident prompted conflicting assessments. Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo questioned whether the punishment was sufficient, noting that Jackson kept his foot planted on Cubarsi's ankle and suggesting a red card could have been warranted. The paper also reported that Jackson appeared to gesture dismissively at Cubarsi after the challenge, as if implying the Barcelona player was exaggerating injury.
Mundo Deportivo stated that VAR did not review the incident. The newspaper added that Cubarsi was limping afterward.
However, Cesar Barinecia Montero, Mundo Deportivo's own referees analyst, offered a contrasting view. He described it as "a clear challenge using the boot" but concluded there was "no excessive force" and judged the yellow card to be appropriate.
Source: goal.com
