Kyle Walker yellow was the right call says former Premier League referee
The Iranian winger trod on the England international as he landed after the City full-back had shepherded the ball out for a goal-kick.
Walker took exception to this and put his head into the Brighton winger's face and pushed forward.
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Hide AdThe City defender was booked by referee Anthony Taylor but the incident was reviewed by VAR to see if the caution should be upgraded to a red card.
But, after a lengthy and thorough check, VAR official Paul Tierney ruled that a yellow was appropriate for Walker's offence.
Speaking on Sky Sports News' Football Centre, former top-flight ref Dermot Gallagher felt the City defender showed no violent intent towards Jahanbakhsh but was left baffled by Walker's thought process during the incident.
SEE ALSO Albion star: Everyone thought it would be 5-0 or 6-0 but we showed what we're about | Brighton defender vows to learn from Manchester City winner in FA Cup semi-final | Brighton boss Hughton: 'It was a red card for Kyle Walker' | Six things we learned from Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester CityHe said: "I think the referee called the yellow card and the VAR supported it. It was right on the day.
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Hide Ad"I think what the referee has explained to the VAR is what the pictures we have seen have shown.
"He's (Taylor) felt that they've both been aggressive towards each other. He doesn't think it was malicious or violent (from Walker).
"I think Anthony has called it just about right.
"What I will say, I just don't know why Kyle does that. It's just a massive, massive risk."
Former Everton and Arsenal forward Kevin Campbell, also speaking on the programme, believed that the 'occasion' of a FA Cup semi-final may have prevented Taylor and VAR from brandishing a red card to the England World Cup-hero.
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Hide AdHe added: "It could have cost Man City on the day. I think it's the occasion that made the referee give him the yellow card.
"That could have easily been a red."
SEE ALSO Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester City fan and action picture gallery | Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester City player ratings | Hughton lauds 'huge effort' from Brighton in battling FA Cup defeat | Mixed feelings for Anthony Knockaert after 'incredible' Brighton performance against Manchester City