Foden sent off in Manchester derby after kicking out at Fernandes, VAR upholds red

Phil Foden was reduced to ten men in the 23rd minute of Sunday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford after referee Michael Oliver showed him a straight red card for kicking out at Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes. VAR reviewed the incident and upheld the decision, describing it as a kick with both feet into the stomach.

Gary Neville, speaking after the match, backed Oliver’s call on Foden but was critical of the decision not to punish Fernandes. “Well he’s not having it Phil Foden,” Neville said. “Bruno Fernandes has a bit of kick at him while he’s on the ground and it looks like he reacts. VAR described it as a kick with both feet into the stomach. He’s not going to get away with that.”

Neville acknowledged the context behind Foden’s reaction, suggesting the City forward felt he had been provoked. “You can see why he’s annoyed — he thinks Bruno kicked at him while he’s down. He then reacts badly. I have reacted and been sent off in a Manchester derby. It is a painful run down the tunnel.”

However, the former United defender was clear that Fernandes had escaped punishment he deserved. “I’m surprised Bruno didn’t get a yellow. I don’t think it’s a red, but he’s got away with one. He certainly pulled a reaction out of Foden which will help his teammates. That’s a yellow card for Bruno Fernandes — that one you’re not going to get away with. He’s shocked Phil Foden, but once he gets into the dressing room, he’ll realise.”

The dismissal left City facing the remainder of the derby a man down from the first half, significantly altering the dynamic of one of English football’s most high-profile fixtures.