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Foden red card becomes the main talking point
Manchester City beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford. However, Phil Foden’s red card quickly became the biggest talking point of the match.
Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute. He kicked out at Bruno Fernandes after the Manchester United captain had fouled him. The decision was checked and confirmed by VAR.
The Premier League Match Centre explanation said the dismissal was for violent conduct. It described Foden’s action as a kick into Fernandes’ body.
What happened between Foden and Fernandes?
Fernandes challenged Foden near the touchline. Replays then appeared to show Fernandes kicking Foden in the back while the City player was on the ground.
Foden reacted. He kicked out at Fernandes, who was also on the ground. Referee Michael Oliver showed Foden a straight red card.
The decision split opinion. Some pundits felt Foden deserved a red card. Others wanted punishment for Fernandes too.
Why the decision caused debate
The main issue was the difference between the foul and Foden’s response. VAR judged Foden’s action to be violent conduct.
Fernandes received no card. Former United midfielder Roy Keane criticised that part of the decision and called Fernandes’ action violent.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca agreed. He said Foden’s red card could be accepted, but Fernandes should also have been sent off. Sky Sports reported the reactions.
City win despite going down to 10 men
Haaland scores the winner
Manchester City still found a way to win. Erling Haaland scored in the 60th minute after connecting with Josko Gvardiol’s cross.
The goal created another VAR debate. It was first ruled out for offside. VAR later overturned the decision and allowed it to stand.
Refereeing body admits an error
The controversy did not end there. Pro Ref later admitted an “error of judgement” over the goal. It said Fernández’s movement should have led to an on-field review.
The derby therefore had two major refereeing talking points: Foden’s red card and Haaland’s goal. The BBC explained both decisions.
Final verdict
Foden’s reaction gave the referee and VAR an action to punish. Still, the decision not to sanction Fernandes left many viewers frustrated.
The official explanation supports the red card. Yet the debate will continue because the incident began with Fernandes’ challenge.
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