Premier League explains why Phil Foden got a red card in the match against Man Utd
The Premier League Match Centre has explained why Phil Foden was sent off during the Manchester derby after an incident in the first half with Bruno Fernandes.
Foden got a red card in the 23rd minute of Sunday’s game at Old Trafford for kicking out at Fernandes, but the events leading up to it have caused a lot of discussion.
If you watch the clip below, you’ll see Foden fall to the ground on top of the ball after Fernandes challenged him. Fernandes then made contact with Foden while trying to kick the ball away.
Fernandes seemed to catch the bottom of Foden’s back, which clearly frustrated Foden. While still on the ground, Foden kicked out at Fernandes with both feet. Moments later, Fernandes went down holding his stomach. After seeing Foden’s kick into Fernandes’ body, referee Michael Oliver showed Foden a straight red card.
The decision was reviewed by VAR, who confirmed it, making Foden the first Manchester City player to be sent off in a derby since 2006.
Soon after, the Premier League Match Centre released a statement saying: “The referee’s red card decision for violent conduct on Foden was checked and confirmed by VAR.” They also shared comments from Oliver and VAR official Matt Donohue, who called it a “secondary movement.” Oliver explained: “Red card Phil Foden – kick out into the body of Bruno.” Donohue added: “That looks like a clear red card to me. Confirming the red card for Manchester City No.47.”
Foden’s red card has sparked a lot of debate. During the first-half analysis of the match, Roy Keane and Micah Richards said they didn’t think it was a red card.
“To me, Bruno is the one being violent here,” said Keane. “I have to say it. I called out Kyle Walker a few years ago when he went down after a headbutt. I don’t think Foden’s red card was correct.”