Roy Keane in the Sky studio.
Roy Keane fumed at Phil Foden getting sent off for Manchester City. (Image: Sky Sports)
Manchester United icon Roy Keane defended Phil Foden and branded Bruno Fernandes the 'violent' party in a red card row that saw the England international sent off in the first half of the Manchester Derby. Foden was given his marching orders for kicking out at Fernandes on the side of the pitch, with VAR opting not to overturn the on-field decision.
Michael Oliver did not hesitate in sending Foden off, despite replays appearing to show Fernandes also kicking the England international first, while he was on the floor. That video evidence was shown again to Keane and Micah Richards in the Sky Sports studio at half-time, with both pundits pointing the finger at the United captain.
He told Sky Sports: "Bruno tackles him, fouls him, gives him a little boot on the floor, reacts and he's now sent off. Bruno catches him, Foden sent off, I guess it's classed as violent and to me, Bruno is the one who violent.
"I have to call it out, called it with Kyle Walker a few years ago when he went down after a head butt, we see violent differently. I don't think that's a red card for Foden, I don't. 'Did the referee get given a chance?'
"Foden is daft here but so is Bruno. If Bruno got sent off, we'd be saying, 'it was a daft, a bit silly.' Everyone's in a union, you've got to look out for each other. We saw Walker a few years ago do it with a headbutt, Bruno has got to do better there. It's a big game, you've got to look after the opposition players as well. Foden, I don't think it's a red card."
Richards then added: "Fernandes catches him! I don't agree with Foden's response, but it's Fernandes who started it."
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Gary Neville, on commentary for the match, disagreed and was of the opinion that Oliver was correct in his decision to issue a red card.
"Oh dear, Phil Foden," he said. "VAR are having a look... It looks like Foden has reacted. He has kicked him in the stomach. You are not going to get away with that.
"VAR has described it as a kick with both feet into the stomach. I am surprised that Fernandes has got away without a booking."
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The Premier League Match Centre explained the decision, writing: "The referee’s call of red card to Foden for violent conduct was checked and confirmed by VAR.
"REF: 'Red card Phil Foden – kick out into the body of Bruno'.
"VAR: 'That looks like a clear red card to me. Looks to be a secondary movement. Confirming the red card for Manchester City No.47'."
During Sky's half-time interviews, neither Marc Guehi nor Michael Carrick discussed the incident, which has sparked mass debate over whether Foden and/or Fernandes deserved a red card.