Phil Foden despatched off after ‘kicking out’ at Bruno Fernandes throughout derby conflict
Phil Foden has been sent off in the Manchester derby after he lashed out at Bruno Fernandes in the opening quarter of the clash
Phil Foden has been sent off in the opening quarter of the Manchester derby after he lashed out at Bruno Fernandes.
The Manchester City ace, 26, kicked out at Fernandes after a flash point 25 minutes into the clash at Old Trafford. United had started the better of the two teams, and after pushing back the latest Red Devils attack, Foden had the ball in the corner.
He was shoved over by Fernandes, who then appeared to kick him in the back. And Foden hit back at the Portuguese midfielder – using both his feet to kick Fernandes in the stomach. Michael Oliver was left in no doubt and gave Foden his marching orders.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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Speaking on Sky Sports, Gary Neville said: “It looks like Foden has reacted…He has kicked him in the stomach. You are not going to get away with that.” However, the former United defender added: “I am surprised that Fernandes has got away without a booking.”
Paul Robinson, on BBC 5 Live, admitted it was stupid from Foden: “Initially it looks really stupid from Phil Foden. He kicks out in the midriff of Bruno Fernandes. There is absolutely no way this is going to be overturned. That was petulant, that was stupid and he could have cost his side.”
Wayne Rooney and Danny Murphy, however, were both convinced it shouldn’t have been a red card. Rooney, speaking on the BBC, said: “That can’t be a red card. It was more of a flick or a gesture, than a kick out.”
While Murphy added: “Bruno kicked Foden first, but that’s not a red for him. But then Foden did kick out at him and if you kick upwards, you are going to get a red.”
Fans were also confused Fernandes escaped unpunished, believing he was deserving of a yellow card: “How has Fernandes got away scot-free there? He literally kicked Foden in the back…”
“Bruno Fernandes should have got a yellow card also. Foden fell for his nasty gimmicks,” a second shared. And another added: “It’s either 2 red cards or 2 yellow cards…You can’t punish Foden and not punish Bruno Fernandes?”
