Jamie Redknapp insists that John Stones deserved his red card against Aston Villa

Jamie Redknapp believes that John Stones was deserving of his red card against Aston Villa on Wednesday night after his ‘nasty’ challenge on Jacob Ramsey.

Manchester City star Stones had an evening to forget, with the England defender allowing Villa to open the scoring after just 20 seconds through John McGinn under the watchful eye of Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.

Goals from Phil Foden and Rodri put City in front, but Pep Guardiola’s side’s task was made all the more difficult before the break after Stones was given his marching orders by Peter Bankes.

The referee was advised to review a late tackle by Stones on Villa youngster Ramsey, with the Englishman making contact just below the knee after mistiming a challenge.

Upon consultation with the pitchside monitor, Bankes overturned his initial yellow card to brandish a red card in Stones’ direction, to the fury of Guardiola and the visitors.

But Redknapp insisted that the red card was justified, viewing the challenge as ‘out of control’ and ‘reckless’.

‘It’s not been a 45 minutes to remember for John Stones,’ the Sky Sports pundit said. 

‘It’s a poor piece of play for the first goal and that is a rash decision. Poor decision. It is high, it is reckless, it is out of control and I can see exactly why he has been sent off. 

‘He is late. It is a nasty tackle and there is not a lot to be said there, it is a red card.’

Villa’s one-man advantage did not last long with defender Matty Cash also sent for an early bath after picking up a second yellow card early in the second half. 

Leeds United were on the receiving end of a similar decision two weeks ago against Man City as Liam Cooper was dismissed before half time thanks to a VAR intervention following a late challenge on Gabriel Jesus.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side ran out 2-1 winners at the Etihad Stadium after a dramatic late winner from Stuart Dallas.