Everton and Manchester United did battle last night in the final Premier League Summer Series match – and there was a heated incident involving Bruno Fernandes and Iliman Ndiaye.
The Toffees continued their preparations for the new season, and drew 2-2 with the Red Devils.
James Garner drew praise from Everton fans for his display, and there were some other promising performances in blue.
But Beto, criticised ahead of the game by David Moyes, did struggle to hold the ball up and may now have a battle on his hands to start that opening Premier League game against Leeds United.
In the second-half, things got a little heated at one point when there was a tangle between Bruno Fernandes and Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye.
And after the game the United captain gave his take on the incident.
Bruno Fernandes plays down Iliman Ndiaye incident after Everton draw with Man United
Iliman Ndiaye is challenged by Bruno Fernandes during Everton vs Manchester United.
Photo by AJ Reynolds/Getty Images
In the build up to Everton’s second equaliser at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Fernandes hacked at Ndiaye as he surged away from the Portuguese in the middle of the field.
It was a challenge that Ndiaye did not take kindly to at all, and the Senegal international immediately turned around and confronted Fernandes.
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Cameras followed the ball, which ended up going into United’s net off Ayden Heaven.
But Fernandes and Ndiaye were still tangling, and the situation had to be diffused.
After the game, Fernandes said of the incident: “It’s a game of football. There’s always passion there.
“Whatever happens, happens. It’s part of the game, I think there was nothing spicy there – there was just a moment between me and one of their players.
“But all set, everyone wants to win. It’s normal, it’s part of the game.”
Very poor from Fernandes
This response from Fernandes will not wash at all with Everton fans.
It was a cynical, cowardly challenge from behind on Ndiaye, who was away and in full flow.
There was a genuine chance he could have injured Everton’s best player, and it was totally needless. Even in a game with things at stake, this would have been really disappointing to see.
Obviously, most professionals still treat these pre-season games as actual games, and are competitive when playing in them.
But that was really poor from Fernandes, as was him dismissing it in his post-match interview, and it will not do his reputation any favours whatsoever.