Raul Jimenez’s weird red card: Two screams in 30 seconds versus Manchester City, and unkind Twitter
That wasn’t quite the highlight that Mexico international striker Raul Jimenez wanted to create in Wolves’ top-flight Premier League game against leaders Manchester City.
Jimenez was the culprit of one of the strangest red cards in Premier League history as he received two yellow cards in a span of 30 seconds, leading to one being sent off.
It all happened in the first minutes of injury time when Wolves were deadlocked with the score 0-0 before Man City. First, Jimenez pulled Rodri in midfield and was cautioned by referee John Moss for blocking a promising strike.
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But after the opening whistle, Jimenez hung around in the spot of the free-kick, trying to slow City’s restart and kill some more time as halftime approached. He failed to block the ball from 10 yards under the Rules of the Game, and when he spread his legs and deflected Man City’s free-kick attempt, he left the umpire with little choice. . Just 30 seconds after showing him his first yellow, Moss swung for a second to postpone the match, and an automatic red card appeared afterwards:
Jimenez probably thought he could get away with the annoyance of the free-kick and that the referee would be lenient in the seconds after his first penalty. But Man City’s Rodri is also skillful in his way. Witnessing that Jimenez did not comply with the prescribed distance in the free kick, Rodri kicked the ball in the area around Jimenez knowing that Jimenez’s collision with the ball would likely cause the referee to retort.
The Mexican striker has been one of the interesting stories in the Premier League after scored his first Premier League goal in his comeback from a horrible head injury. He has three goals and two assists in 16 appearances so far between 2021-22 and remains one of the most important players on a Wolves team hovering in the middle of the table.
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Stunned by the developments of the match, Jimenez took time off the field. He angrily threw his hat on the ground, whenever he was mocked by the Man City fans. He will be suspended for Wolves’ next Premier League game against Brighton on Wednesday.
Visiting Wolves fans applauded Jimenez as he left the field, but social media hasn’t been nearly as kind. The pundits took issue with Jimenez, although some also criticized the referee for the first yellow card.
One of Raul Jimenez’s all-time stupid red cards.
– Tom Williams (@tomwfootball) December 11, 2021
A reckless referee phase by Jonathan Moss. Raul Jimenez promptly sent out two bookings. The first is gentle for the foul on Rodri, the second is even softer for #wwfc The striker blocked Rodri’s quick free-kick effort. What is Moss’ common sense?
– James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) December 11, 2021
Jimenez’s absurdity but Jon Moss is also terrible at controlling the game.
– Adam Crafton (@AdamCrafton_) December 11, 2021
Raul Jimenez just got the dumbest red card you’ll ever see. Placed for a challenge to Rodri, the free kick was taken at half way, wouldn’t retreat then put his foot out to block it being taken. Yellow second and off. Daft.
– Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonESPN) December 11, 2021
It’s always a good second yellow when the referent literally still has the card in hand from the first
– Adam Hurrey (@FootballCliches) December 11, 2021
Jimenez was completely distraught, almost unable to get up, tossing his headband to the floor. All very silly.
– Tim Spiers (@TimSpiers) December 11, 2021
Raúl Jiménez what the hell are you doing, that is absolutely shameful and unacceptable for a player of his experience #MCIWOL
– Josh Bunting (@Buntingfootball) December 11, 2021
Not sure if that’s a harsh act but it’s definitely a stupid thing to do if you do it 10 seconds after you’ve just turned seventeen.
– Leo🇧🇼 (@mcfcIeo_) December 11, 2021
To be fair to Jimenez, it happens all the time in the Premier League and 99 times out of 100 referrals do nothing.
– Alex Keble (@alexkeble) December 11, 2021
The first tackle he gets the ball… it’s never yellow
– Michael Joseph Silva (@magicmick11) December 11, 2021
That first yellow for Jimenez was a joke. The tackle wasn’t even strong enough to knock Rodri off balance. Really hot game ruined for no reason
– Aaron Moniz (@amonizfootball) December 11, 2021
Quite hard to get a second yellow card from English refs, SURPRISE you do something immediately after your previous offense! Jimenez is so heartless
– Jonny Singer (@Jonny_Singer) December 11, 2021
What’s wrong with jimenez? these guys got the city right where they wanted it and he did it
– aden (@eyetestfb) December 11, 2021
Jimenez’s walk is somehow funnier than his 48th double yellow card, proper host
– Paddy (@PaddyArsenal) December 11, 2021
Absolute madness from Jimenez. It is possible to question the first booking but the second is insane. It will make the second half a lot more difficult for Wolves – possibly a game-changing moment #MCIWOL
– Michael Plant (@MichaelPlant82) December 11, 2021
The first man isn’t a yellow card, it’s just absurd to try to block that free kick. Rodri delayed and delayed, and then shot it at him
– Peter Hall (@PeteHall86) December 11, 2021