Grealish reveals why he fumed at ref for sending off Aurier after failing to save Ivory Coast star from second yellow
JACK GREALISH has revealed why he was angry at the referee for sending-off opponent Serge Aurier during England’s win over Ivory Coast.
The Manchester City star played a key role as the Three Lions romped to a 3-0 victory at Wembley in their latest friendly.
His former Aston Villa team-mate Ollie Watkins gave England the lead on the half hour mark.
Then Grealish turned provider for his City colleague Raheem Sterling to add the second moments before the break.
And it was another ex-Villa pal, Tyrone Mings, who headed home the final goal in the dying seconds to wrap-up an easy night.
However, England’s task was made all the easier before Sterling’s goal when Ivory Coast were reduced to ten men.
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Former Tottenham hothead Serge Aurier was given his marching orders for a second yellow card on 41 minutes after a challenge on Mings.
Despite being on the opposite team, Grealish appeared to plead with the referee not to send off the defender and looked miffed after he flashed the red.
And afterwards he revealed why he looked so annoyed at the decision, telling Sky Sports: “I thought it was a good performance from us.
“We knew it would be difficult to start but the red card changed things completely.
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“It was a different type of game to what we’re used to playing. It was a good performance from the team and I’m happy with mine too.
“I wanted [Serge Aurier] to stay on because it’s a friendly and you get more from playing against 11.
“I think it would have been more of a challenge for us. I said to the referee ‘come on!’”
Despite that brief frustration, Grealish is now looking forward to helping City push for a treble before going for glory in Qatar with the Three Lions.
He added: “It’s a brilliant time to be in my shoes. We’re still in so many competitions and then at the end of the year we have the World Cup.
“I need to keep impressing the manager to get into that squad.”