‘Very rash’ – Upson slams referee after Hincapie yellow vs Man City

A controversial refereeing decision involving Piero Hincapie became one of the early talking points as Arsenal faced Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.

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The Ecuador international found himself in the book during the opening stages, with referee Peter Bankes quick to brandish a yellow card following a challenge on Matheus Nunes.

Matt Upson questions referee Peter Bankes decision

As reported by BBC Sport, the incident drew immediate criticism from former Arsenal defender Matt Upson, who was unconvinced by the decision.

“First big moment for referee Peter Bankes. Piero Hincapie arrives very late on Matheus Nunes in midfield and the ref gives the Arsenal man a yellow card.”

Offering his verdict shortly after, Upson was particularly critical of the referee’s interpretation of the challenge.

“Piero Hincapie doesn’t really catch Matheus Nunes. The referee was very rash with that yellow card, it was nowhere near a booking.”

The 46-year-old pundit’s view reflected a wider sense that the contact itself was minimal, even if the timing of the tackle from the Arsenal defender appeared mistimed at first glance.

Early booking impacts Arsenal approach at Wembley

Hincapie’s caution had the potential to shape Arsenal’s defensive approach for the remainder of the contest, particularly given the intensity and pace Manchester City brought in wide areas.

The South American, who is set to join Arsenal permanently in the summer after an agreed deal worth around €52 million, has impressed with his versatility this season, operating both centrally and at full-back depending on Mikel Arteta’s needs.

Arsenal’s line-up for the final already featured notable absentees such as Eberechi Eze and Jurrien Timber, placing greater responsibility on players like the Ecuadorian to maintain defensive discipline against City’s attacking threats.

In a game where fine margins often decide the outcome, an early yellow card inevitably added an extra layer of caution to Hincapie’s performance, while also fuelling debate over whether the referee had set the bar too low for disciplinary action in such a high-stakes fixture.

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