Phil Foden’s dismissal in the 23rd minute of the Manchester Derby has ignited a fresh debate surrounding VAR protocols, particularly after Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes escaped punishment for his role in the altercation. Referee Michael Oliver issued the red card to the Manchester City midfielder, a decision later confirmed by VAR, but the perceived inconsistency in how the incident was handled has drawn criticism.
The flashpoint occurred when Fernandes appeared to antagonise Foden with a small kick while the City player was on the ground. Foden reacted by kicking out at Fernandes. The Premier League’s match centre confirmed that VAR described Foden’s action as a “kick with both feet into the stomach,” leading to the confirmation of Oliver’s on-field decision for violent conduct.
However, Fernandes, who initiated the contact, was neither cautioned on the field nor reviewed by VAR for his actions. This omission has been a central point of contention, with VAR protocol stating it cannot intervene on a missed yellow card. Former Manchester United player and commentator Gary Neville expressed his surprise during the match, stating, “I’m surprised Bruno didn’t get a yellow, I don’t think it’s a red but he’s got away with one. He certainly pulled a reaction out of Foden which will help his teammates.”
Foden’s suspension and derby history
The red card means Foden will be unavailable for Manchester City’s next three fixtures, a significant blow for manager Enzo Maresca. The dismissal also marks a rare occurrence in the fiercely contested derby, as Foden is the first player to be sent off in a Manchester Derby for nearly a decade. The last player to receive a red card in the fixture was Marouane Fellaini for a headbutt on Sergio Agüero in April 2017.
Read also: "As obvious as it gets": Carrick fumes as VAR waves through Haaland's derby winner
For Foden, who has now gone 34 games without a competitive goal, the suspension adds to a challenging period. Neville, who himself was sent off in a Manchester derby during his career, sympathised with Foden’s reaction. “He’s kicked into the stomach. He’s not going to get away with that. You can see why he’s annoyed Foden, he thinks Bruno kicked at him while he’s down. He then reacts badly. VAR described it as a kick with both feet into the stomach. I have reacted and sent off in a Manchester derby, it is a painful run down the tunnel.”
Despite the controversy surrounding Fernandes’s lack of punishment, the Premier League stood by the decision regarding Foden. A statement confirmed, “The referee’s call of red card to Foden for violent conduct was checked and confirmed by VAR.” The incident has once again highlighted the complexities and limitations of VAR’s application, particularly in situations involving multiple players and escalating tensions.
Read also: PSV captain Mauro Junior called up by Ancelotti: 'The most beautiful moment of my life'
