Football Sep 14, 2026

Phil Foden sent off in Manchester derby: Bruno Fernandes role criticised by Roy Keane and Micah Richards

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By Admin
Sports Journalist
Phil Foden sent off in Manchester derby: Bruno Fernandes role criticised by Roy Keane and Micah Richards

Roy Keane believes Phil Foden should not have been sent off in the Manchester derby and criticised Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes' role in the Man City forward's red card.

Foden was shown a straight first-half red card in for kicking out at Fernandes after being fouled by the Man Utd midfielder.

Speaking immediately after the incident, Your Site' Gary Neville said he was "surprised" Fernandes avoided any punishment after appearing to kick Foden first.

Fellow Your Site pundit Keane concurred with his former Man Utd team-mate and feels the Portugal international was "violent".

He told Your Site: "Bruno goes in, tackles him, clearly fouls him and gives him a little boot on the floor. Foden gets up, does react, and he's now sent off.

"I'm guessing it's classed as violent conduct, but to me Bruno's the one who's violent here.

"I have to call it out. I called Kyle Walker out a few years ago when he went down to a headbutt [which Man Utd striker Rasmus Hojlund was sent off for in December 2024].

"I don't think that's a red card for Foden, I really don't."

He added: "Did the player give the referee a chance [to send him off]? Foden's a bit daft here, but so is Bruno.

"If Bruno got sent off for that and nothing happened with Foden then we'd be saying, 'Do you know what, Bruno was a bit daft, a bit silly'.

"The players are all in the PFA [Professional Footballers' Association], everyone's in a union - you've got to try and look out for each other; you can't be rolling around.

"We saw Walker do it a few years ago with the headbutt and Bruno's got to do better there.

"People say there's tension and it's a big game, but you've got to look out for your team-mates and the opposition players as well.

"Foden, I don't think it's a red card."

Asked about the incident, Man City head coach Enzo Maresca replied: "I think Phil Foden's red card is a red card, but I also think that in the same action it's a red card for Bruno Fernandes.

"I reviewed the action immediately after the red card on the bench. And it's a clear red card for Phil, because it's a reaction.

"But you can also see in the same action Bruno's intention. So for me, yes, it's a red card for Phil, but it's also a red card for Bruno."

Ex-Man City defender Micah Richards also felt Fernandes should have been punished for his role in Foden's sending off.

He told Your Site: "Foden didn't react. If he had started screaming on the floor, then Bruno Fernandes would have been sent off.

"It looks worse than it is. I agree with Roy - Fernandes catches him!

"I don't agree with Foden's response, but it's Fernandes who started it."

The Premier League's Match Centre has explained why Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute.

A clarification 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'."

It was a controversy-filled Manchester derby, Pro Ref admitting an "error in judgement" to allow Man City's winner.

Erling Haaland scored the winner on 60 minutes - the striker's goal was initially disallowed for offside on the pitch before VAR overturned the decision.

The VAR officials deemed that Haaland was played onside by Man Utd defender Patrick Dorgu. However, Man City's Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position as he attempted to play the ball before it reached Haaland.

Despite not touching the ball, Fernandez's movement appeared to impact the defending of Man Utd's Lisandro Martinez before Haaland's back-post finish, which by the laws of the game should have led to the goal remaining disallowed.

Refereeing body Pro Ref admitted to their mistake around three hours after full-time. Nevill predicted Pro Ref would issue an apology for allowing the goal.

"Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement," a statement read. "A review of the incident will take place."

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