Bruno Fernandes was booked for a "reckless" challenge on Dominik Szoboszlai in Manchester United's 3-2 win, with ex-referee Dermot Gallagher saying the yellow card was the correct decision
Stephen Killen Senior Football Writer and Bruna Reis
17:16, 04 May 2026Updated 17:17, 04 May 2026
Bruno Fernandes was fortunate to avoid a red card on Sunday
Bruno Fernandes was fortunate to avoid a red card on Sunday(Image: Getty Images)
Former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher has argued that Bruno Fernandes' robust challenge on Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai did not merit a red card.
The Manchester United skipper lunged in on the Hungarian midfielder during the dying moments of Sunday's 3-2 triumph over the Reds, catching him on the ankle. While Fernandes was shown only a yellow card, some observers felt the caution should have been escalated to a sending-off, given the potential for inflicting serious injury on the Liverpool star.
The Fernandes incident represented just one of numerous flashpoints in a fixture overshadowed by the controversial decision to allow Benjamin Sesko's goal, despite claims of handball. Alternative replays appear to show the ball striking the Slovenian's hands as he netted United's second.
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Szoboszlai was left on the ground following Fernandes' forceful intervention, while Alexis Mac Allister and Ibrahima Konate remonstrated with referee Darren England over the severity of the challenge.
Nevertheless, Gallagher believed that while the tackle was "reckless," it didn't warrant a dismissal. Speaking on Sky Sports' Ref Watch, he commented: "I think the yellow card was right, he is low and doesn't come from a great distance, so he doesn't gather the speed.
"It's a reckless challenge, but it is low and doesn't go above the boot. Once you do that, you're in trouble.
Fernandes produced a nasty challenge on Dominik Szoboszlai
Fernandes produced a nasty challenge on Dominik Szoboszlai(Image: Getty Images)
"Most tackles, for a split second, you are off the ground. The difference is when someone is throwing themselves in the air and have no control of their body."
Ex-Premier League frontman Jay Bothroyd shared Gallagher's view, suggesting that Szoboszlai's decision to protect the ball in the corner of his defensive third provoked the clash.
He remarked: "The challenge itself is very low. He can see Szoboszlai is about to shield the ball out.
"Szoboszlai has put his foot there. That's why he's gone into his ankle. It's a yellow card, nothing more than that. You can see he's not trying to hurt anybody, it's not aggressive."
Liverpool appeared destined for a heavy loss following a sluggish opening period that saw them trail to strikes from Matheus Cunha and Sesko.
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Yet Szoboszlai ignited an extraordinary fightback, firing home a stunning individual effort to halve the arrears.
He then turned provider after Senne Lammens' damaging mistake. Szoboszlai teed up Cody Gakpo to finish into an unguarded goal after the Belgian keeper's goal kick was intercepted.
Despite the rally, Liverpool now sits six points behind United in the Premier League table.