Phil Foden sent off after 23 minutes in Manchester derby for kick out at Bruno Fernandes
Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden was shown a straight red card in the 23rd minute of the Manchester derby at Old Trafford after kicking out at Bruno Fernandes. The incident was checked by VAR, which confirmed the on-field decision. Fernandes was not booked. Pundits and fans are split on whether the dismissal was correct.
- Competition: Premier League Manchester derby
- Venue: Old Trafford
- Red card: Phil Foden (Manchester City), 23rd minute
- Incident: Foden kicked out at Bruno Fernandes after being tripped
- VAR: Confirmed the on-field decision; Fernandes received no booking
- Context: Foden is the second City player sent off in a Premier League Manchester derby after Bernardo Corradi in December 2006
What happened?
Midway through the first half, Foden picked up the ball wide on the right-hand side in his own half and was closed down by Fernandes, who tripped the City man. Foden then kicked out at the body of the Portuguese midfielder while on the ground and was shown a straight red card by the referee.
Replays appeared to show Fernandes kicking Foden in the back first, before Foden retaliated. The incident was checked by the video assistant referee, who confirmed the on-field decision. Fernandes did not receive a booking for his part in the incident.
What was said
"That can't be a red card. It was more of a flick or a gesture, than a kick out."
"Bruno kicked Foden first, but that's not a red for him. But then Foden did kick out at him and if you kick upwards, you are going to get a red."
"A painful moment for Foden to have to make that run down the long tunnel. I'm surprised Fernandes didn't get a yellow for the kick on the floor, he's certainly pulled a reaction out of Foden which will help his team-mates."
"Initially it looks really stupid from Phil Foden. He kicks out in the midriff of Bruno Fernandes. There is absolutely no way it was going to be overturned. That was petulant, that was stupid and he could have cost his side."
The consensus among the experts is that Foden's retaliation was ill-advised, but there is disagreement over whether it warranted a straight red. Rooney believes it was not a red card, describing it as a flick or gesture rather than a kick out. Murphy acknowledges that Fernandes kicked Foden first, but argues that Foden's upward kick left the referee with no choice. Neville highlights the lack of a booking for Fernandes, suggesting the Portuguese provoked the reaction. Robinson is the most critical of Foden, calling it petulant and stupid and warning that it could cost his side.
The divide in opinion reflects the subjective nature of the incident. While the referee and VAR deemed Foden's action violent conduct, several former players feel the contact was minimal and the reaction was understandable given Fernandes' initial kick. The lack of punishment for Fernandes is a particular point of contention.
What the fans said
- John, Croydon: "That is one of those decisions that pundits will insist is correct, but people in pubs up and down the country know is bonkers. Game is gone."
- Thomas, Brighton: "Utd fan but that's never a red! Why didn't VAR overturn? Yellow all day long for Foden and Fernandes."
- Lee, Surrey: "Never a red, if it is then Bruno should get red for kicking him on the floor. Absolute joke officials."
- Callum, London: "You have to send them both off. Fernandes has clearly kicked a man on the floor. That is frankly disgraceful from the pair of them. Both should be seeing a long ban."
- David, East Kilbride: "What was Foden thinking? A clear red card."
- Mike, Glossop: "Filthy Foden. Nailed on red card."
The numbers
- 23: Minute of Foden's red card
- 2: Foden is the second City player sent off in a Premier League Manchester derby
- 2006: Year of Bernardo Corradi's red card, the only previous City dismissal in a Premier League Manchester derby
- 0: Yellow cards shown to Bruno Fernandes for his part in the incident
- 1: VAR check, which confirmed the on-field decision
Why the referee had no choice but to send Foden off
Once Phil Foden kicked out at Bruno Fernandes, the referee's decision was straightforward. The laws of the game allow a straight red for violent conduct, and any retaliation involving a kick is typically punished with a dismissal. The fact that Fernandes kicked Foden first is irrelevant to Foden's punishment; it only means Fernandes could have been booked. VAR reviewed the incident and saw no clear and obvious error, so the on-field decision stood.
The bigger issue for Manchester City is the consequences. Foden's dismissal leaves his team a man down for over 70 minutes in a derby at Old Trafford. Paul Robinson noted that it could cost his side, and that is exactly what happened. City had to reorganise, likely dropping a forward into midfield to compensate for the loss of Foden's creativity. The incident also raises questions about Foden's discipline, as this is not the first time he has been involved in a controversial moment. However, the source does not provide further context on his disciplinary record.
For Fernandes, the escape without a booking will frustrate City fans. Gary Neville was surprised Fernandes did not receive a yellow for the kick on the floor. Fernandes' actions provoked Foden, and while that does not excuse Foden's reaction, it does highlight the grey area in the incident. The Portuguese midfielder will now be free to play the rest of the derby without the threat of suspension, a significant boost for Manchester United.
Talking points
- Should Bruno Fernandes have been sent off as well for kicking Foden on the ground? Many fans believe both deserved red cards.
- Does the lack of a booking for Fernandes prove that referees treat retaliation more harshly than the initial provocation?
- Will Phil Foden face an extended ban, or was the standard three-match suspension sufficient punishment for a petulant kick?
- How much did Foden's red card cost Manchester City in the derby? With over 70 minutes to play a man down, the odds shifted heavily.
What happens next
Manchester City will have to cope without Phil Foden for the remainder of this match and likely for the next three domestic fixtures, depending on the FA's disciplinary review. The club may appeal the red card, but given that VAR confirmed the decision, an overturn is unlikely. Manchester United will look to capitalise on the numerical advantage and push for a win at Old Trafford. The result could have significant implications for the Premier League title race and the top-four battle.
Frequently asked questions
Why was Phil Foden sent off in the Manchester derby?
Foden was shown a straight red card for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes in the 23rd minute. Replays appeared to show Fernandes kicking Foden first, but Foden retaliated and was dismissed.
Did Bruno Fernandes get a yellow card for kicking Foden?
No, Fernandes did not receive a booking for his part in the incident.
Was the red card checked by VAR?
Yes, the incident was checked by the video assistant referee, who confirmed the on-field decision to send Foden off.
Related Articles
Filed under: Match Reports | LA Premier League Home
