Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes looks dejected vs Man City
Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Manchester City picked up an impressive 1-0 win away against rivals Manchester United. The scoreline doesn't exactly tell the whole story, though, as the game was about much more than just that.
In particular, the officiating on the day was rather eye-catching as some huge calls helped define the fixture. A red card and a controversial goal have sparked a big reaction from those who follow the Premier League.
Erling Haaland was correctly deemed onside as he bagged a 60th-minute winner for Man City, but the goal should have been ruled out as Enzo Fernandez was interfering in play from an offside position. ProRef admitted the mistake, and VAR lead Matt Donohue and his assistant Blake Antrobus have now been stood down by Howard Webb.
There had already been earlier drama as Phil Foden was handed a first-half red card for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes. Now footage, however, suggests the Man Utd captain may have been lucky to avoid any punishment.
Referee Matthew Donohue hands out a red card during Sheffield United v Millwall
Referee Matthew Donohue hands out a red card during Sheffield United v Millwall
Phil Foden Appeared To Be Hit First Amid Man City Red Card
Foden gets sent off vs Man United
Foden gets sent off vs Man United
While some could argue that Foden's 23rd-minute red card was a little harsh, the player clearly lashed out at Fernandes. Referee Michael Oliver spotted the incident, telling his team of officials: "Red card, Phil Foden – kick out into the body of Bruno."
Donohue on VAR was never likely to go against the original decision, as he replied: "That looks like a clear red card to me. Looks to be a secondary movement. Confirming the red card for Manchester City No.47.'"
However, it could be argued that the officials missed something. Indeed, footage online shows that Foden was likely provoked by Fernandes, after the Man Utd star appeared to drive an elbow into his lower back.
This aggressive behaviour could be considered violent conduct, but the 32-year-old midfielder was not sent off. Not only that, but he avoided any punishment, as Oliver failed to book Fernandes for his role in the incident.
Keith Hackett Makes Bruno Fernandes Red Card Claim
After the game, former PGMOL head Keith Hackett was asked for his opinion on some of the big calls. He defended referee Oliver for his role in Haaland's winner, explaining that it was VAR's error and not his: "He did not allow the goal to be allowed. It was offside."
He also claimed that Foden's red card was "correct." However, when it came to Fernandes, he suggested that the Man Utd player was lucky not to meet the same punishment, as he deserved at least a booking:
Roy Keane was among those to also feel as if the Portugal international was lucky on the day. He told Sky Sports: "Bruno goes in, tackles him, clearly fouls him and gives him a little boot on the floor. Foden gets up, does react, and he's now sent off.
"I'm guessing it's classed as violent conduct, but to me Bruno's the one who's violent here."
Gary Neville also said he was "surprised" Fernandes avoided any punishment