The Manchester derby started with physicality and rose in volume when Phil Foden was shown a straight red card in the 23rd minute of Sunday’s game between Manchester United and Man City at Old Trafford.
Man City’s Foden was prone when Bruno Fernandes kicked him in the back, then swung his leg around the Englishman to kick at the ball and the player.
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The Man City man’s instinctive response was a cleats-up kick into Fernandes’ mid-section.
Referee Michael Oliver walked straight over and sent Foden to the team room with a straight red card. VAR review did not discipline Fernandes.
Should Bruno Fernandes have also been sent off after Phil Foden’s red card (video) in the Manchester derby?
Some argued that Foden could’ve been shown a yellow card instead of a red but it’s easy to forget these men have metal studs on the bottom of their boots. A play like that almost always is a red card, regardless of the stage.
Even if it isn’t, Oliver’s awarding of a red is never being overturned by video review.
But Fernandes may end up being Man of the Match for his instigation of the event. The Manchester United captain’s kick to Foden’s lower back is certainly just as capable of causing injury as Foden’s move.
VAR could not have given Fernandes a yellow card, only a red, and that’s likely what was said during the review.
Derbies are huge events but the bar cannot be lowered. If Mikel Arteta thought Sunderland’s penalty against Arsenal could swing a title race, then this call comes with a rocket attached to it.
Do you think Fernandes could’ve been sent off? Should he have been sent off?
Phil Foden is sent off at Old Trafford after kicking out at Bruno Fernandes. pic.twitter.com/A4JigAVEaS
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) September 13, 2026
