VAR controversies overshadow Manchester derby as Foden sees red

Manchester United faced a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League over the weekend, leading to two significant talking points from the match. The first was the VAR decision to allow Erling Haaland’s goal, which had initially been flagged offside by the match officials.

The second point of contention was Phil Foden’s red card, which he received after kicking out at United captain Bruno Fernandes. Controversial information has emerged regarding VAR official Matthew Donohue, who was involved in Harry Maguire’s red card suspension last season.

Following the error in awarding Haaland’s goal, the VAR official has been stood down and will not participate in the upcoming Premier League fixtures. Meanwhile, Fernandes’ role in Foden’s dismissal has also been examined by pundits and fans alike.

The Portuguese playmaker appeared to strike Foden while he was on the ground, suggesting that Foden’s actions may have been retaliatory. Professional Game Referees (Pro Ref) Chief Howard Webb shared his thoughts on the incident.

Addressing the contentious Manchester derby situation on Tuesday, Webb stated that Foden deserved a red card for violent conduct. He remarked: “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 further clarified why Fernandes did not receive a yellow card, saying: “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.”

Since joining United from Sporting in January 2020, Fernandes has received three red cards. He has been one of the club's standout signings in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, yet he has faced criticism for his on-field behaviour, particularly his tendency to complain. Fernandes also possesses a combative nature and has crossed the line on several occasions during his time at Old Trafford.

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

He received his second red card in the subsequent match against Porto in the Europa League after accumulating a second yellow card in the 81st minute, making him the first United player since Eric Cantona to be sent off in consecutive matches.

Fernandes’ disciplinary record worsened in December when he received two yellow cards against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, making him the first player since Nemanja Vidic to receive three red cards in a single season.

Bruno Fernandes Stats: 2024/25 Season

Fernandes has been crucial for United this season, scoring four goals in five matches. After failing to find the net in the loss to City, the Portuguese will be eager to perform against Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday, 16 September, in the EFL Cup Third Round.

Source: Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person