Piers Morgan ridicules Manchester City player for attempting to have Arsenal rival red carded within two seconds

Sunday's highly anticipated match in Manchester got off to an explosive start as Rodri and Havertz clashed on the pitch, causing a brief pause in proceedings.

The Man City kick-off made its way to goalkeeper Ederson and as Havertz tried to make his way up the pitch to close him down he ran into Rodri, causing the midfielder to fall to the ground.

Referee Michael Oliver did not think the incident was serious and gestured for the game to continue until it was clear Rodri wanted medical treatment.

Several Manchester City players appeared to ask Olivier whether the clash deserved a VAR check and possible punishment to Havertz but the game soon continued after Rodri received some treatment.

The Spaniard was clearly angered by the early clash, however, and gave a sarcastic thumbs-up gesture to Havertz before play continued.

Arsenal fans were less than impressed by Rodri’s reaction, with Piers Morgan mocking the Manchester City star, who was later forced off due to a knee injury.

Drama just FIVE seconds into proceedings at the Etihad as Kai Havertz and Rodri collide 👀 pic.twitter.com/A0ToQvPTmL

‘Poor Rodri, is he still alive? Looked a really savage light brush with Havertz’s hand,’ he posted on X.

‘Rodri should get booked for that play-acting,’ another supporter said. ‘Havertz didn’t touch him in the face, but the man went down holding his face…’

More to follow…