Webb: Fernandes escaped punishment because VAR could not intervene

Howard Webb has explained why Bruno Fernandes avoided disciplinary action for his challenge on Phil Foden in the Manchester derby, while Phil Foden was sent off. The key: VAR could not intervene because the incident fell outside its remit.

  • Incident: Bruno Fernandes challenge on Phil Foden in Man Utd vs Man City
  • Outcome: Fernandes escaped punishment; Foden received a red card
  • Explanation: Howard Webb clarified why VAR did not intervene
  • Programme: Match Officials Mic'd Up
  • Date: Tuesday 15 September 2026

What was said

"The VAR could not intervene because it was not a red card offence."

— Howard Webb, explaining the decision on Match Officials Mic'd Up

Webb's explanation centres on the distinction between offences that VAR can review and those it cannot. The challenge by Fernandes on Foden did not meet the threshold for a red card, so VAR had no grounds to recommend a review. This left the on-field decision standing, and Fernandes faced no further action.

The clarification is part of Webb's ongoing efforts to demystify refereeing decisions. By appearing on Match Officials Mic'd Up, he provides transparency on why certain calls are made and how VAR protocols are applied in practice.

Why Fernandes escaped punishment

The decisive factor was the nature of the challenge. Under the laws of the game, VAR can only intervene for clear and obvious errors relating to goals, penalties, direct red cards, and mistaken identity. Since Fernandes's challenge on Phil Foden was not deemed a red card offence, it fell outside VAR's jurisdiction.

This meant that even if the on-field referee had misjudged the incident, VAR could not step in to correct it. The system is designed to avoid re-refereeing matches for lesser offences, and this case exemplifies that limitation. Webb's explanation reinforces that VAR is not a catch-all solution for every contentious moment.

The outcome also highlights the pressure on referees to make split-second judgments. In a heated derby, the referee's decision was final, and Fernandes continued without sanction. Foden, meanwhile, was sent off, leaving Manchester City a man down.

Talking points

  • Should VAR be allowed to intervene for any challenge that could be a red card, even if the referee has already shown a yellow?
  • Does this incident prove that VAR still leaves room for inconsistency in high-stakes derbies?
  • If Fernandes had been sent off, would the outcome of the match have been different?
  • Is Howard Webb's public explanations enough to restore faith in refereeing decisions?

What happens next

Howard Webb's explanation provides closure on this specific incident, but the debate over VAR's limitations will continue. Manchester United and Manchester City will meet again later in the season, and all eyes will be on how referees handle similar flashpoints.

Frequently asked questions

Why was Bruno Fernandes not punished for his challenge on Phil Foden?

According to Howard Webb, VAR could not intervene because the challenge was not a red card offence, so Fernandes escaped punishment.

What did Howard Webb say about the incident?

Webb explained that the VAR could not intervene because it was not a red card offence, clarifying why Fernandes was not penalised.

Was Phil Foden sent off in the Manchester derby?

Yes, Phil Foden received a red card in the match between Manchester United and Manchester City.

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