Phil Foden: Manchester City Midfielder Sent Off in Derby – BBC Sport
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Foden Dismissed in Derby – But Did He Deserve It?
By Jess Anderson, BBC Sport Journalist
Published 13 minutes ago
The Manchester derby ignited controversy early on as Phil Foden was shown a straight red card for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes. After a tepid start, the Manchester City midfielder was sent down the tunnel after just 23 minutes at Old Trafford.
Foden becomes only the second City player to be sent off in a Premier League Manchester derby since Bernardo Corradi in December 2006.
What Happened?
Midway through the first half, Foden received the ball wide on the right and was closed down by Fernandes who tripped him. Foden then kicked out at Fernandes while he was on the ground, earning a straight red card from the referee. Replays seemed to show Fernandes kick Foden first, but Foden responded with his own kick. The incident was reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), confirming the initial decision.
Expert Reactions:
- Wayne Rooney: "That can’t be a red card. It was more of a flick or a gesture than a kick out."
- Danny Murphy: "Fernandes kicked Foden first, but that’s not a red for him. But then Foden did kick out at him… if you kick upwards, you’re going to get a red."
- Gary Neville: "A painful moment for Foden to have to make that run down the long tunnel. I’m surprised Fernandes didn’t get a yellow for the kick on the floor, he’s certainly pulled a reaction out of Foden which will help his team-mates."
- Paul Robinson: "Initially it looks really stupid from Phil Foden… There is absolutely no way it was going to be overturned. That was petulant, that was stupid, and he could have cost his side."
Fan Reactions:
- John, Croydon: "That is one of those decisions pundits will insist is correct, but people in pubs up and down the country know is bonkers. Game is gone."
- Thomas, Brighton: "Utd fan but that’s never a red! Why didn’t VAR overturn?"
- Lee, Surrey: "Never a red… if it is then Bruno should get red for kicking him on the floor. Absolute joke officials."
- Callum, London: "You have to send them both off. Fernandes has clearly kicked a man on the floor. That’s frankly disgraceful from the pair of them."
- David, East Kilbride: "What was Foden thinking? A clear red card."
- Mike, Glossop: "Filthy Foden. Nailed on red card."
