Phil Foden was sent off for violent conduct in the first-half of Sunday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
Phil Foden was shown a straight red card for kicking out against Bruno Fernandes on Sunday evening.
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The England international kicked out against the Manchester United captain after Fernandes appeared to shove his boot into the Stockport-born star.
Foden went down and received contact from Fernandes but did not help himself as he struck Fernandes back in retaliation, with the Portuguese midfielder making the most of the challenge and immediately prompting referee Oliver to send Foden off.
Manchester City fell to a man disadvantage after 23 minutes and having dominated possession for the opening quarters of the derby, the Blues retreated and defended deep in their own half for the majority of the remainder of the first-half.
Marcus Rashford struck the left post from a free-kick close to the interval, coming closest to breaking the deadlock for the hosts as Maresca and co prepare for the second-half with a major personnel disadvantage.
Match Official and VAR View on Foden Red Card
As revealed by the Premier League Match Centre on X, match official Oliver said on the incident: "Red card Phil Foden, kick out into the body of Bruno”.
Matt Donohue, acting as the Video Assistant Referee, alongside Assistant Video Assistant Referee Blake Antrobus, added: “That looks like a clear red card to me. Looks to be a secondary movement. Confirming the red card for Manchester City number 47."
Enzo Maresca opened up on Phil Foden's exclusion from Manchester City's captaincy group after Saturday's 1-0 win over Coventry City at the Etihad Stadium.cityxtra.co.ukFoden Also One of Man City's Captains for Me, Says Maresca Despite Leadership Group Snub
Enzo Maresca opened up on Phil Foden's exclusion from Manchester City's captaincy group after Saturday's 1-0 win over Coventry City at the Etihad Stadium.
Maresca is expected to react to Foden's sending off in post-match media duties as Manchester City search for a way to get a result against a rejuvenated United side in front of an Old Trafford audience buoyant as a result of the incident.
Foden has made a strong start to the season, grabbing a pair of assists in City's 4-1 away win over Crystal Palace as he looks to kick on from signing a fresh, long-term contract till 2030 at the Etihad Stadium.
What is the Wider Context of the Incident for Foden?
The 26-year-old pleaded with Oliver - alongside City captain Ruben Dias - to make a case for his innocence and while it can be argued that Fernandes was also equally worthy of a red card for his initial boot into Foden, the CFA graduate gave Oliver and co a very convenient reason to send him off.
Foden becomes the first Manchester City player to be sent off against United since Bernardo Corradi in 2006, though the Blues could look to appeal the decision in the coming days.
England manager Thomas Tuchel was in attendance at Old Trafford on Sunday evening and having snubbed the forward for the Three Lions' 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, Tuchel would certainly have taken note of Foden's reaction to Fernandes' kick too.
Foden's absence for Manchester City's next three domestic games, if the red card is not rescinded by means of an appeal, would pave the way for Ayyoub Bouaddi to come in, with Jeremy Doku also close to full fitness after suffering a calf injury against Arsenal in August.