Enzo Maresca issues Bruno Fernandes red card verdict after Manchester derby | OneFootball

The debate surrounding Bruno Fernandes' role in Phil Foden’s red card goes on

The Manchester United captain was involved in the first controversial incident on Sunday, as he was kicked in the stomach by Phil Foden which resulted in the Manchester City midfielder being shown a red card.

A statement read: “The referee’s call of red card to Foden for violent conduct was checked and confirmed by VAR.

“REF: ‘Red card Phil Foden – kick out into the body of Bruno’.

“VAR: ‘That looks like a clear red card to me. Looks to be a secondary movement. Confirming the red card for Manchester City No.47’.”

Maresca, who celebrated victory in his first taste of a Manchester derby thanks to Erling Haaland’s controversial winner, accepted Foden’s red card was the correct decision but believes Fernandes should have suffered the same punishment.

"Phil's card is a red card, but I also think the same action is a red card by Bruno, [Fernandes]," Maresca told reporters. "I think reviewing the action, and I reviewed it immediately, it is a clear red card for Phil because it is a reaction.

"But you can also see Bruno [foul Foden]. But anyway, it is what it is. Red card, but we won.

Bruno Fernandes and Phil Foden clashed in the Manchester derby

Sky Sports

"Last year I was here with Chelsea and we had red card after three minutes, so next time I was hoping for a different story.

"We had a plan for 11 vs. 11, but after the red card, the game completely changed, but also for them.

"They [United] love transition and space in behind, but the game became more difficult with us and them

"We just drop, no space in behind and no more transition which is why the game was also more difficult for them."