Gavi spotted ‘flooring s***house’ Bruno Fernandes off the ball – but VAR does nothing

On Feb 16, 2023

Manchester United fans were left baffled after VAR failed to intervene after Barcelona’s Gavi clashed off the ball with Bruno Fernandes on Thursday evening (February 16).

Fernandes took a tumble to the turf after being tripped and shoved by the Spain international, but no action was taken by referee Maurizio Mariani, with Massimiliano Irrati on VAR duty.

The incident took place after the Portugal international caught the 18-year-old on the back of the ankle, which led to the petulant reaction.

One fan wrote on Twitter: “Gavi gets no yellow card for hitting Bruno Fernandes?” A second said: “Bruno Fernandes is not going to take a liking to Gavi.”

A third wrote: “Red card to Gavi how can he floor Fernandes like that?”

A fourth added: “Gavi’s been instructed to wind up Bruno Fernandes, Xavi knows he can upset Bruno and Gavi is the ultimate wind-up. Brilliant.”

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Bruno Fernandes fell to the turf – but no action was taken
(Image: BT Sport)

A fifth said: “Gavi thought he was whinging s***house? Meet Bruno Fernandes.”

Speaking on talkSPORT, Dean Ashton said: “He’s just shoved him in the back for absolutely no reason whatsoever and the referee spotted it.”

The contest had a lively start with chances falling to both Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski, with both sides looking to progress into the round of 16.

Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes was in action against Barcelona
(Image: Getty Images)

Erik ten Hag said before the match: “I think we can put together a good counter-attack but we have to bring them out of their comfort zone, we have to press them high when we can. We have players who are capable of playing so we have to play.

“We have to be proactive with Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia has to push Raphinha back and then Shaw can step in. He is quick, can cover big space behind Malacia.

“It is great to be here, there is a line of Dutch players and managers here with Barcelona but I am here for Manchester United and we want to win and win in a Manchester United way.”