'It's not a foul or a red' - Hart leaps to Ramos' defence after City dismissal

Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has said that Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos can count himself unlucky to have been sent off in the Champions League game between the sides on Wednesday evening.

Hart, a veteran of 266 City appearances currently playing for Burnley, thinks Jesus could easily have received a caution for simulation in the incident, but the reward of Ramos being ruled out for the next game was worth the risk.

“I honestly don’t think that’s a foul or red card,” the 32-year-old told BT Sport.

“Jesus waits for him to touch his shoulder. Worst case scenario for Jesus is a yellow card [for diving].

“Best case is he’s got Real Madrid’s captain, leader, legend out of the second leg.”

Ramos’ expulsion was not the only controversial incident between the pair.

A Jesus header pulled City level after an Isco strike for the Spanish side, but the goal was only confirmed after a lengthy VAR check.

The video assistant was looking at whether Jesus had pushed Ramos to make space for the header.

Although he finally determined he had not, Hart thinks either decision could have gone the other way, referring to the review system in cricket in which the on-field decision is upheld in marginal cases.

“I think both decisions would have been umpire’s call in cricket,” he added.

“I think they could easily have been given fouls [against Jesus] and they wouldn’t have been overruled.”