Pep Guardiola was fortunate not to see Man City go down to 10 men in their Carabao Cup semi-final tie against Newcastle United.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Chris Kavanagh failed to act appropriately at St James’ Park on Tuesday, 13 January.

Nico O’Reilly has starred for Man City at left-back this season, but having been moved into a defensive midfielder position against the Magpies, he struggled to make a positive impact in proceedings.

Tackles were flying in during the first half, with Man City’s new boy, Antoine Semenyo, lucky to avoid a booking, before an off-the-ball clash between O’Reilly and Joelinton emerged out of nowhere.

Nico O’Reilly walks a tightrope during Newcastle vs Man City

In the 31st minute, the duo squared up in the middle of the park, with Kavanagh rushing over to split the duo up, before then dishing out two cautions.

Upon watching replays, it was clear that the Man City man struck out at his opponent, making contact with the back of Joelinton’s head, leading to some calls for a red card at St James’ Park.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “The referee’s rather casual approach was a contributing factor to the midfield off-the-ball clash that resulted in a yellow card for Joelinton and Nico O’Reilly.

“O’Reilly, with a hand in the face of his opponent, could have seen him receiving a higher level of sanction. There appeared to be little force and, clearly, Kavanagh is maintaining a high bar on his interventions.”

Antoine Semenyo also should have received a punishment

The referee was clearly keen to keep his cards in his pockets during the semi-final first leg, but that only infuriated those at St James’ Park more, as tackles flew in.

Bernardo Silva could have easily had his name taken, with Matheus Nunes eventually getting a yellow, but Semenyo somehow avoided being cautioned after bringing Lewis Hall down cynically.

Speaking about the situation, Hackett said, “Semenyo has fouled his opponent to clearly stop a promising attack, which should have resulted in an automatic yellow card.

“It’s too lenient an approach by referee Chris Kavanagh.”