Man City star Sergio Aguero escapes punishment for grabbing lineswoman Sian Massey’s neck during clash against Arsenal

Sergio Aguero risked getting a red card during Manchester City’s clash at Arsenal for grabbing lineswoman Sian Massey on the back of the neck.

The Manchester City forward, 32, made a return to the City starting XI for the first time since last season following a long injury lay-off.

However, some may believe he was fortunate to have not been dismissed after being spotted clearly grabbing the assistant on the back of the neck when protesting against a throw in given against his side.

Replays show that the ball hit Aguero last before going out of play but the Argentine took issue with Massey’s call.

He spoked to Massey as she pointed her flag in favour of Arsenal before briefly grabbing her neck as she walked up the line. The game carried on as normal after the brief incident.

Aguero was substituted in the second half, with midfielder Ilkay Gundogan replacing him on 65 minutes.

The incident came towards the end of the first half, with City going into the break a goal to the good.

The deadlock was broken by Raheem Sterling, who’s left-footed finish found the corner of the net after Bernd Leno could only parry Phil Foden’s effort into the danger zone.

Mikel Arteta’s side threatened on plenty of occasions in the first half, with Bukayo Saka forcing Ederson into making two good saves, while the Brazilian did brilliantly to deny Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Arsenal may also feel hard done by that they didn’t get a penalty on the stroke of half time due to a Kyle Walker high boot in the box as Gabriel Magalhaes went for a header.