Sergio Aguero tackle on David Luiz sparked the Battle of the Etihad – but it wasn’t the first time the Manchester City has gone in hard on the Chelsea defender
Aguero went unpunished for a two-footed studs-up tackle on the Brazilian in the FA Cup in 2013
SERGIO AGUERO was sent off for the shocking tackle that sparked a brawl at the Etihad.
And it appears to be Deja Vu for these two players as Aguero saw the red mist descend in the 3-1 defeat.
Aguero isn’t usually considered the dirty type but there is obviously no great affection for David Luiz.
The striker was sent off today but went unpunished for a two-footed, studs-up stamp on the Brazilian back in April 2013, during the FA Cup semi-final clash at Wembley which City won 2-1.
In that game, Aguero lunged in on Luiz who was already on the floor – the former Atletico Madrid striker planting his studs with force straight in to the back of Luiz’s legs.
Aguero got off lightly that time.
But after today’s events it leaves many wondering if there is history between the pair.
Luiz has been away from the Premier League for a couple of seasons after leaving for PSG, but now he has returned perhaps so has the rivalry?
The pair are both regular internationals for bitter rivals Argentina and Brazi.
It now means the striker will miss at least four Premier League matches – including the title clash with Arsenal fans that has left Gunners supporters in fits of joy.
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Aguero’s challenge led to the unsavoury scenes that followed with City midfielder Fernandinho being sent off for grabbing Cesc Fabregas by the throat and throwing him over the advertising hoardings.
Such a fracas has rarely been seen since Arsenal’s invincible team jumping all over Ruud Van Nistlerooy after he missed a penalty in September 2003.
The Dutchman had play acted to get Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira sent off, but the Gunners escaped Old Trafford with a point but were fined with players being suspended.
Pep Guardiola will be seething at such stupidity from two of his main players in what could be a major moment in the season with the busy Christmas fixture list about to come in to full swing.
The FA may still hand out lengthy bans to the City pair, this could very much impact the rest of the club’s season in the Premier League as they slip four points behind leaders Chelsea.