Man City star Alex Greenwood shown 'most ridiculous' red card against Chelsea, the crowd was in disbelief

Manchester City captain Alex Greenwood has been shown a second yellow card for perceived timewasting during her side's Women's Super League clash against Chelsea.

The England international, who was a key part of the Lionesses side that reached the final of the Women's World Cup, was making her 100th appearance for City.

But it ended in disaster for the 30-year-old, who was shown a second yellow card for timewasting by the referee - after just 38 minutes.

The decision was taken after Greenwood lined up to take a free kick inside her own half, before briefly pausing to assess her options.

She then played the ball to centre-back partner Alanna Kennedy, but play was then stopped by the referee as City players looked across in confusion.

Much to the disbelief of everyone in the stadium, Greenwood was then shown a second yellow card and was forced to leave the pitch.

Man City captain Alex Greenwood is SENT OFF 😲

She's given a second booking for taking too long with a free-kick. #BBCFootball #WSL pic.twitter.com/Y4Gmxs6dCj

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) October 8, 2023

And fans took to X (Twitter) to reveal their disbelief at the decision.

One wrote: "Just seen the most ridiculous sending off in the WSL, as Alex Greenwood is shown a second yellow card for 'timewasting'. Absolutely absurd."

Another said: "What a ridiculous sending off - Alex Greenwood has played a pass and been done for time wasting."

A third queried: "Why would Alex Greenwood be time wasting after 38 minutes?! Bizarre."

Another added: "That red card for Alex Greenwood has to be the most ridiculous decision I have ever seen."

And Arsenal legend Ian Wright also had his say.

He wrote: "Embarrassing. They keep telling us about laws of the game but where is common sense! Why would she be wasting time???"

Embarrassing. They keep telling us about laws of the game but where is common sense! Why would she be wasting time??? Kmt. https://t.co/O4rOEO4MTt

— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) October 8, 2023

Former Everton goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis, meanwhile, gave her view on the decision while on co-commentary for BBC Sport: "That is ridiculous. She wasn't even trying to waste time.

"She stalls so her team-mates can have time to get up the pitch. It was a matter of seconds! A very poor decision from the referee in my opinion."

City had earlier taken the lead through Chloe Kelly, with Gareth Taylor's side holding on to their 1-0 advantage going into the half time interval.

Thoughts on the second yellow card awarded to Greenwood? Let us know in the comments.