Howard Webb Backs Phil Foden Red Card as VAR Misses Bruno Fernandes Kick
Howard Webb has backed the decision to send off Phil Foden for violent conduct in Manchester City's 1-0 win at Old Trafford, but revealed VAR could not intervene to caution Bruno Fernandes for the "petulant" kick that sparked the altercation. The incident left confusion over why only one player was punished.
- Match: Manchester City won 1-0 at Old Trafford
- Red card: Phil Foden (Manchester City) for violent conduct
- Unpunished: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) escaped a yellow card
- Referee: Michael Oliver
- VAR official: Matt Donohue
- Webb's view: Red card correct; Fernandes deserved a yellow but VAR cannot intervene
What was said
"I agree with the red card for Phil Foden for violent conduct. He kicks out with force into the upper body of Bruno Fernandes. We saw a player sent off for Aston Villa, Joao Gomes, for a similar thing."
"That is seen by the referee on the field and that is the on-field decision."
"When you look at the footage, there is the petulant kick from Fernandes into the back side of Foden. It is more petulant than violent. To be violent conduct, it has to have excessive force or brutality."
"When you look at that at full speed, it does not have that element. It would be a yellow card and VAR cannot step in to give a yellow."
"If all of it was missed and nothing was given against Foden, then VAR could step in and see Foden's actions for a possible red card and capture Fernandes' yellow card action. Because the referee gave the red card, that option is not open for VAR."
Webb's explanation highlights a key VAR protocol: once referee Michael Oliver issued the red card to Foden, the video officials could not retrospectively punish Fernandes for his kick because VAR is only permitted to intervene for red-card offences or clear and obvious errors, not yellow-card infractions. This technicality left Fernandes unpunished despite his role in initiating the melee.
The admission that Fernandes's kick was "petulant" rather than violent means it fell below the threshold for violent conduct. Webb's reference to Joao Gomes's red card for Aston Villa suggests consistency in punishing forceful kicks, but the inability to apply the same standard to Fernandes due to VAR limitations will frustrate many.
The confusing VAR process surrounding Foden's red card
During the review, VAR official Matt Donohue was heard discussing a possible Manchester United penalty for Enzo Fernandez's challenge on Youri Tielemans while simultaneously asking: "Who has been sent off and for what?" shortly after Oliver brandished the red card. The dialogue reveals the confusion in the VAR room.
"Checking possible penalty. One more angle to prove he's definitely played the ball. It looks like he's played the ball."
"Possible kick-out as well."
"Has he kicked him there?"
"Confirm here you think that Enzo has definitely played the ball and that this is no penalty."
"Possible violent conduct."
"Okay and then he's gone red card. So, I would say no penalty there, he definitely plays the ball, yeah? Okay and now we need to look at the rest, okay? So, who has been sent off here and for what?"
"It was for a kick-out. It looks like he's given a foul and then the legs came up."
"Michael [referee], the penalty is checked and cleared. Just confirm your on-field decision in terms of discipline here, please."
"Red card, Phil Foden. Kick out into the body of Bruno [Fernandes]. The foul is by Bruno on Phil. I think he's in a tangle and when they are separating, I think Phil kicks him. But they will check."
"That looks like a clear red card to me. Secondary movement, watch broadcast. Okay, happy to confirm? Red card. Happy to confirm? Confirming the red card for Manchester City 47. A kick to the midriff with two feet. Just roll through to check that Bruno does nothing. I'm absolutely certain he doesn't. No, he kicks the ball; it's fine."
"No, the other one [Bruno's first kick]. That's not what they're talking about. That is the one they're talking about."
"Minimal, minimal. That's not for us; that's fine."
"Yeah, I agree."
The transcript shows Donohue initially focused on the penalty check, then the assistant VAR flagged the kick-out. Oliver's swift decision to send Foden off meant VAR could only confirm the red, not review Fernandes's kick for a possible yellow. The phrase "who has been sent off and for what?" underscores the real-time confusion.
Analysis: Fernandes deserved equal treatment to Foden
Sky Sports' Laura Hunter argues the review is "all over the place," but the most alarming element is the reading of Bruno Fernandes's part. Lead VAR official Matt Donohue is distracted by the previous incident in real time, and his assistant leads with "possible kick out" by Foden. The immediacy of Oliver's on-field decision is the determining factor; he acts fast, suggesting certainty, so VAR allows the call to stand.
Hunter notes the bar for VAR intervention has been deliberately lifted for subjective decisions to avoid re-refereeing games. She accepts Oliver's decision is not a "clear and obvious error" given where Foden makes contact, though whether it meets the threshold for violent conduct is open to interpretation.
However, Hunter points out the VAR room failed to spot the trigger for Foden's reaction. Donohue says he is "absolutely certain" Fernandes does nothing, but in reality the Manchester United captain is the first offender; Foden's kick was retaliation for the kick he received after being fouled. The decision not to punish Fernandes for the exact same action is a huge oversight, and both deserved equal treatment, especially as Oliver clearly missed the first part from his position. VAR's job is to alert him, and the pitchside monitor could have been used.
Talking points
- Should VAR be allowed to intervene for yellow-card offences when the on-field referee misses an initial act of aggression?
- Was Foden's kick truly violent conduct, or did the provocation from Fernandes reduce his culpability?
- Did Michael Oliver's quick red card actually prevent a fair review of the whole incident?
- Is Howard Webb's explanation satisfactory, or does it expose a flaw in the VAR protocol?
What happens next
Manchester City will be without Phil Foden for their next Premier League fixture as he serves a suspension for violent conduct. Howard Webb's comments are unlikely to change the outcome, but they will fuel debate about VAR's limitations. The PGMOL may face further questions about why Fernandes escaped punishment for an identical action.
Frequently asked questions
Why was Phil Foden sent off against Manchester United?
Foden was sent off for violent conduct after kicking out at Bruno Fernandes during Manchester City's 1-0 win at Old Trafford.
Why did Bruno Fernandes not receive a yellow card?
Howard Webb explained that Fernandes's kick was "petulant" rather than violent, so it only warranted a yellow, and VAR cannot intervene to give a yellow card.
What did Howard Webb say about the VAR process?
Webb said the red card was correct and that because the referee gave it, VAR could not review Fernandes's action for a possible yellow card.
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