Why Tyrone Mings Wasn’t Red-Carded After Brutal Challenge on Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo

• Tyrone Mings' was extremely lucky not to be sent off after a high challenge on Cody Gakpo
• The Video Assistant Referee(VAR) reviewed the incident and agreed with the on-field yellow card decision
• The incident elicited mixed reactions from fans online in the latest controversy surrounding the VAR

Tyrone Mings should thank his lucky stars after he escaped a red card during Aston Villa's Premier League game against Liverpool on May 20.

Mings lunged into Liverpool's forward Cody Gakpo, with his boot landing right on the Dutchman's chest. Centre referee John Brooks issued a yellow card, with the Video Assistant Referee recommending no further action.

The decision astounded fans both at Anfield Stadium and on social media, who felt that Mings' challenge deserved a sending-off.

The association of match referees, Professional Game Match Officials Limited(PGMOL), is expected to give a detailed explanation later, but the preliminary decision given by match commentators was that no ill intention was spotted on Mings' side.

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Replays show that the England international caught the ball first before Gakpo. Visible stud marks were also spotted on the 24-year-old's body after treatment.

Fans reactions

@Empire Kop said:

"How on earth is this just a yellow card? Mings' studs are LITERALLY on Gakpo's chest."

@JamesPearce said:

"Mings is very lucky that his challenge on Gakpo isn't upgraded from a yellow to a red by VAR. Caught Gakpo in the chest with his studs."

The incident is set to provide more fodder to the VAR debate and its usage in English's top-most league.

It was a difficult first half for Brooks, with the electric Anfield atmosphere questioning most of his decisions. Ollie Watkins was brought down by Ibrahima Konate, with Brooks rightfully awarding the penalty.

Watkins stepped up and missed the resultant penalty but minutes later, Jacob Ramsey capitalised on poor marking inside the Liverpool area to give Unai Emery's side the lead.

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Firmino scores in last Anfield appearance

Villa were however denied maximum points as Roberto Firmino came off the bench to rescue a point for Liverpool in his final home as a Reds player. Sports Brief reported that the Brazilian finished from close range after Mohamed Salah squared the ball inside the area.

The goal sent Anfield into a frenzy, with the striker set to depart on a free transfer at the end of the season. The goal also restored parity after Jacob Ramsey had given Aston Villa the lead in the first half.

However, Jurgen Klopp won't be impressed with the point, as their chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season were dealt a heavy blow.