Man City given VAR explanation for Bernardo Silva controversy before Real Madrid goal

Manchester City have been handed a huge blow in their quest to turn around the Champions League round-of-16 against Real Madrid. Bernardo Silva was shown his first career red card after the referee ruled that he had used his arm to deny a clear goal‑scoring opportunity, leading to a penalty for the visitors.

After a lengthy VAR review, referee Clement Turpin was sent to the pitchside monitor and ultimately awarded a penalty, leaving City with a mountain to climb. Explaining the decision, UEFA stated: "Decision overturned: penalty awarded. Penalty kick and red card. The Manchester City No. 20 committed a deliberate handball offence, denying the opposing team a goal."

During the check, former referee Mark Clattenburg said on Amazon Prime: "I think what they've got to look at, first of all the assistant has given the offside. There's two phases that they've got to look at, the replays that we've seen they both look like they could be onside.

"Therefore, they would look at the penalty. I think Clement is checking the offside here, if the offside hasn't happened, it is a handball. I think he puts his arm out and stops the ball going in.

"If it's going in, it could be a red card. Yeah, the ball is going in, it does hit the elbow and it could be a red card if it's not offside."

Meanwhile, co-commentator Alan Shearer, added: "They both look as if they're onside for me, therefore, they've got a huge decision to make regarding the handball."

FOLLOW OUR MAN CITY FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester City Facebook page

On the red card decision, Clattenburg added: "That's the difference, just to clarify. If it was an accident and it was going inside the goal, it would be a yellow card.

"This wasn't