Pro Ref chief explains why Bruno Fernandes escaped a booking for derby incident | OneFootball

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Manchester United lost 1-0 to Manchester City over the weekend in the Premier League, with two major talking points arising from the game. The first was the decision by VAR to award Erling Haaland’s goal, despite it being flagged offside by the on-field officials.

The second was Phil Foden’s red card, with the Englishman receiving his marching orders after kicking out at Red Devils skipper Bruno Fernandes. Controversial details about VAR official Matthew Donohue has since emerged about his involvement in Harry Maguire’s red card suspension last season.

The VAR official has since been stood down for his error in awarding Haaland’s goal and will not be involved in the upcoming weekend’s Premier League games. Meanwhile, Fernandes’ involvement in Foden’s red card has also been scrutinised by pundits and fans.

The Portuguese maestro appeared to hit the Englishman as he was on the ground, and it is possible that Foden’s actions were in retaliation. Professional Game Referees (Pro Ref) Chief Howard Webb has offered his views on the matter.

Fernandes deserved a yellow card

Discussing the controversial Manchester derby incident on Tuesday, Webb said Foden deserved to see a red card for violent conduct. Webb 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.”

Webb also explained why Fernandes escaped a yellow card, adding: “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.”

Has Fernandes seen a red card since joining United?

Fernandes has been shown three red cards since arriving at United from Sporting in January 2020. The Portuguese has arguably been one of United’s best signings in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

However, he has also been criticised for his on-pitch demeanour, especially his tendency to moan. Fernandes also has a combative side and has crossed the line on a few occasions during his Old Trafford stay.

Surprisingly, all of Fernandes’ red cards came in the 2024/25 season. The 32 year old was shown a straight red card for a high foot challenge against Tottenham Hotspur in September, but this was overturned by the FA after a successful appeal.

The Portuguese received his second red card of the season in the following game against Porto in the Europa League, after picking up a second yellow card in the 81st minute. In the process, he became the first United player since Eric Cantona to be sent off in consecutive matches.

Fernandes’ disciplinary record took a turn for the worse in December, when he received two yellow cards against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League. Subsequently, the Portuguese maestro became the first player since Nemanja Vidic to receive three red cards in a single season.

Bruno Fernandes Stats: 2024/25 Season

Final Thoughts

Fernandes has been indispensable for United once again this season, scoring four goals in five games so far. After drawing a blank in the defeat to City, the Portuguese will be raring to go against Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday, 16 September, in the EFL Cup Third Round.