Manchester City defender Alex Greenwood was sent off for time wasting during the first-half of her side’s Women’s Super League fixture against Chelsea on Sunday.
The England international was shown a second yellow card by referee Emily Heaslip after she was deemed to have taken too long over a free-kick.
City finished the game with nine players after Lauren Hemp was also dismissed for two bookable offences in the 1-1 draw between two title contenders at the Joie Stadium.
The decision to dismiss Greenwood was widely criticised by players, managers and pundits.
The Athletic breaks down exactly what happened.
What happened?
Greenwood was shown a first yellow card on 17 minutes for a late challenge on Jessie Fleming on the half-way line.
With City leading 1-0 after 37 minutes, they were awarded a free-kick inside their own half following an Ashley Lawrence foul on Laia Aleixandri.
Greenwood stood over the ball and took 20 seconds to take the free-kick as her teammates moved into position. After shaping to go long but opting not to play the ball, Heaslip blew the whistle as Greenwood passed to centre-back partner Alanna Kennedy. Heaslip then showed Greenwood a second yellow card and the defender headed straight down the tunnel.
Chloe Kelly and Aleixandri were also booked for dissent…
