Rooney and Murphy brand Foden 'stupid' but agree red card was too harsh in Manchester derby

Phil Foden’s early dismissal in Manchester City’s 1-0 Premier League win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday has drawn widespread criticism, with Wayne Rooney and Danny Murphy agreeing the red card was excessive — even as they condemned the City midfielder’s decision to retaliate.

Referee Michael Oliver sent Foden off in the 23rd minute after the England international attempted to kick United captain Bruno Fernandes, leaving City to play the majority of the match with 10 men. Erling Haaland’s controversial goal ultimately proved the difference.

Fernandes escaped punishment despite appearing to kick Foden moments before the dismissal, a detail that fuelled the post-match debate. Speaking on Match of the Day, Murphy argued that yellow cards for both players would have been the proportionate response.

“Nobody would have batted an eyelid if they both got a yellow and a telling off for silly petulance and little stupid kick-outs,” Murphy said. “They’re not dangerous, I don’t think. When you slow it down, you see the original foul from Fernandes. He gives him a little nudge with his foot while he’s on the floor, but Foden’s foot is high and above the waist, which I think then gives the referee the idea to give him the red because it seems more dangerous.”

Murphy was nonetheless critical of Foden’s judgement. “I just think now with the cameras, with the VAR and the refs’ initiative to cut that type of thing out — you are rolling a dice if you do it, and he’s been stupid.”

Rooney echoed that assessment, insisting the incident lacked the force to merit a sending-off. “You look at it and think he hasn’t kicked him with any force, he’s almost just brushed him with the side of his leg — he hasn’t gone in with the studs where he’s really going to hurt him,” Rooney said. “I can see why they give the red card, but I just think as a football fan you don’t want to see a red card for that. I think the sensible decision is two yellows.”

The result leaves United’s troubles at Old Trafford deepening, while City claimed all three points despite playing with a numerical disadvantage for the vast majority of the contest.