SERGIO AGUERO will not be punished for putting his arm around Sian Massey-Ellis during Manchester City’s win against Arsenal on Saturday.
The Argentine striker was arguing about a throw-in decision awarded to the Gunners when he put his hand on the official’s shoulder
Sergio Aguero will not face punishment for touching assistant ref Sian Massey-EllisCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The assistant referee was then seen putting her hand up to move Aguero away from her.
But having reviewed the incident, refereeing body the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMOL) has not deemed the action to have been aggressive or threatening, according to the Guardian.
The contact was brief, but in 2016 a new set of rules were brought in to protect officials.
Any physical contact with a referee or assistant warrants either a yellow or a red depending on its severity.
But Aguero will not be punished retrospectively for his action during City’s 1-0 win.
Since the incident, the player has been slammed by some football fans.
Piers Morgan tweeted: “Erm, what is Aguero doing here? And why wasn’t he sent off for it?”
Tooting MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan also weighed in, saying: “Who does Aguero think he is? Completely unacceptable.”
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Meanwhile football writer Leanne Prescott said: “Aguero touching Sian Massey’s neck really, really bad.
“No way he does that if it’s a male. Demeaning and so very wrong. Doesn’t even blink and realise what he’s done either.
“Should be banned for that.”
But not everyone was convinced it warranted punishment.
Aguero’s manager Pep Guardiola said: “Come on guys.
“Sergio is the nicest person I have ever met in my life. Look for problems in other situations, not in this one.”
Christina’s tweet which got more than 1,300 likes also read: “I don’t know who needs to hear this but stop making it sound like Aguero sexually assaulted the referee.”
And many fans rushed to quash ideas that players do not touch male officials by sharing pictures of Aguero, Lionel Messi and Diego Costa all with their hands on referees who are men.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
