Why Brighton did not get penalty vs Man City for Josko Gvardiol challenge on Joao Pedro

Brighton and Hove Albion were left furious after they were denied a penalty against Manchester City in the second half of their Premier League clash.

The Blues were cruising on the South Coast with ten minutes still remaining in the first half. Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring with a superb diving header before Phil Foden's brace put the game out of the reach of the hosts.

Julian Alvarez added a fourth in the second half to not only seal the game but increase City's goal difference which could be crucial in the title race. However, the Seagulls felt they should have been given an opportunity to cut the deficit with 25 minutes remaining.

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As Joao Pedro broke into the area, Josko Gvardiol appeared to clip the forward who went sprawling to the ground. Immediately, referee Jarred Gillett waved away complaints for a spot kick despite loud boos from the home fans.

VAR reviewed the incident but they decided there was not enough evidence to overturn Gillett's on-field decision. The commentary team suggested Pedro went down too easily for a penalty to be given, however the Stockley Park technology could not award a yellow card for the Brighton forward.

This is because, while VAR can be used to overturn a decision and award a penalty if they think the referee has made a 'clear and obvious error,' they cannot tell the official to award yellow cards. The only time VAR can advise for a card to be shown is for red card offences and simulation does not fall into this bracket.