That is according to pundit and former Chelsea and Tottenham midfielder Glenn Hoddle.
Mane was given a straight red card in the first half of Manchester City’s 5-0 thrashing of Liverpool.
The Senegal forward’s right foot connected heavily with Ederson’s face when challenging for a ball in the air.
Hoddle says it could have been a different outcome if Mane had managed to touch the ball before the goalkeeper.
“It’s very difficult isn’t it,” Hoddle said on BT Sport.
“He’s gone to win the ball, his eyes are fixed on the ball, so it’s an accident.
“But if he wins the ball and the goalkeeper clears him out, the keeper is sent off and it’s a free kick to Liverpool.
“That’s how close it was but he didn’t, he didn’t win the ball.
“If you put your foot up high, you’ve got to win the ball.
“Even then the referee may say it’s dangerous play, even if he wins the ball and taps it over the goalkeeper’s head.
“But for me it’s a red card all day long.”
Manchester City were top of the table for a few hours until rivals Manchester United drew with Stoke this evening.