Former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher has defended referee Bobby Madley after he failed to hand a red card to West Bromwich Albion winger Matt Phillips in the Premier League game with Manchester City.

During the closing stages at the Etihad Stadium, Phillips went in high and late on City youngster Brahim Diaz, but Madley decided to caution the Baggies midfielder.

However, while admitting that Phillips was fortunate to remain on the pitch, Gallagher has suggested that Madley had reason not to dismiss the 26-year-old.

Gallagher told Sky Sports News: "If the referee (Robert Madley) has the view we have here, he will send him off every day of the week because it is high, late, at speed and likely to endanger the safety of an opponent.

"What you will see is that the only justification for not giving that is Gareth Barry is immediately between the referee and the incident and he does not have a clear view of it. All he sees is the outcome of it, rather than the actual occurrence itself."

Leaders City eased to a 3-0 triumph over the West Midlands outfit.