Roy Keane has weighed in on the controversial red card shown to Phil Foden during the Manchester derby, arguing that it was an excessive punishment and pointing the finger at Bruno Fernandes for his role in the incident.
In a tightly contested match at Old Trafford, Manchester City edged out Manchester United 1-0, but the game’s narrative quickly shifted after Foden's dismissal in the first half.
Fernandes sparked the incident
The incident unfolded after Fernandes committed a foul, which provoked an emotional response from Foden as he swung a foot at the United captain. The referee had no hesitation in brandishing a straight red card to the City forward.
Keane was adamant that the decision was flawed.
“Bruno goes in for a tackle, clearly fouls, and then while on the ground nudges him with his foot. Foden gets up and reacts — and now he’s sent off.”
I imagine they classified it as aggressive behaviour, but for me, it was Bruno who showed aggression here. I need to say that.”
I’ve been critical of Kyle Walker in the past for falling after channelling a headbutt. I really don’t believe Foden deserved a red card in this instance,” Keane told Sky Sports.
Keane: both are at fault
However, the former Manchester United captain also acknowledged that Foden had given the referee grounds for issuing such a severe punishment.
“Foden acted a bit foolishly, but so did Bruno. If Bruno had received a red for that and Foden had walked away unpunished, we’d all be saying: ‘Yeah, Bruno was stupid and reckless.’”
All players are part of the PFA, it’s a kind of union. We need to look after each other — we can’t keep falling and rolling around on the ground,” Keane added.
In Keane’s view, players must maintain control regardless of the match intensity.
Neville shocked by Fernandes' lack of punishment
Gary Neville also expressed dissatisfaction over the omission of punishment for Fernandes, suggesting he should have been penalised for his involvement.
The former United defender stated he was “surprised” to see the United captain escape any repercussions after seemingly instigating the incident by kicking Foden first.
Thus, Foden's dismissal became one of the most contentious moments of the derby, yet Manchester City held on to secure a 1-0 victory, undeterred by being a man down.
