Pep: Ederson injury was accident

MANCHESTER CITY goalkeeper Ederson had an extraordinary escape from serious injury after being kicked in the face at full speed by Sadio Mane during Manchester City’s win.

Mane was sent off after attempting to latch on to a long ball which Ederson headed away, causing the Liverpool player to follow through with a boot to the chin, which caused a deep cut requiring stitches but causing no fracture.

Despite being treated on the pitch for eight minutes and leaving in a neck brace, apparently making use of an oxygen bag, and being rushed to City’s on-site medical centre, the Brazilian was back at full time in the dugout, bandaged but seemingly recovered.

And City manager Pep Guardiola absolved Mane of any blame. ‘Of course it was no intention from Mane because he didn’t see him but the impact is hard,’ he said. ‘I think he followed the ball. But the action is dangerous. I don’t know if it’s a red card.

‘Ederson hasn’t broken the bone. Hopefully he can come back as soon as possible. He’s OK. It was brave because Mane is coming and you can say, “I don’t touch the ball”.’

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp defended Mane. ‘It was an accident, a very unlucky situation,’ he said. ‘I think everyone knows Sadio did not even see the goalie. He just wanted to get the ball as soon as possible.

‘He’s very, very upset. He is shocked about the situation and for sure also about the decision. Of course it would have a big influence.’

Klopp indicated that Liverpool would be unlikely to appeal against the decision. ‘It would (probably) be another waste of time like the whole game today, but we will see.’