The Premier League have explained why Phil Foden was sent off for kicking Bruno Fernandes during the clash between Manchester City and Manchester United
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League 2026/27
Phil Foden was shown a straight red card for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes (Image: Getty)
The Premier League have delivered an explanation behind Phil Foden's red card against Manchester United. Manchester City forward Foden, 26, was sent off in the 23rd minute at Old Trafford after kicking out at United captain Bruno Fernandes.
Foden had been fouled by Fernandes near the far touchline and the United midfielder first appeared to have a swipe at the City man, who was sat on the floor. But Foden didn't react well to Fernandes and then kicked back, catching him with both feet and straight into the lower abdomen, sending the Portuguese down.
Referee Michael Oliver was in no hesitation but to brandish the red card to Foden, who was left stunned, while Fernandes was unpunished despite kicking the City player first.
Offering an explanation on the incident, the Premier League said: "#MUNMCI – 23' The referee’s call of red card to Foden for violent conduct was checked and confirmed by VAR."
In communication with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Oliver said: "Red card Phil Foden – kick out into the body of Bruno."
A VAR official then responded back to Oliver, after having a closer look at the incident, saying: "That looks like a clear red card to me. Looks to be a secondary movement. Confirming the red card for Manchester City No.47'."
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League 2026/27
Phil Foden couldn't believe he was sent off (Image: Getty)
Gary Neville delivered his verdict on Foden's red card soon after and believes Oliver made the right decision, though he did admit that Fernandes was fortunate not to at least get a booking for kicking out first.
He told Sky Sports: "Well he's not having it Phil Foden, Bruno Fernandes has a bit of kick at him while he's on the ground and it look like he reacts. Is it a punch in the stomach? A kick in the stomach?
"He's kicked into the stomach. He's not going to get away with that. You can see why he's annoyed Foden, he thinks Bruno kicked at him while he's down. He then reacts badly. VAR described it as a kick with both feet into the stomach. I have reacted and sent off in a Manchester derby, it is a painful run down the tunnel."
He added: "I'm surprised Bruno didn't get a yellow, I don't think it's a red but he's got away with one. He certainly pulled a reaction out of Foden which will help his teammates.
"The thing I thought he got wrong, that's a yellow card for Bruno Fernandes, that one you're not going to get away with. He's shocked Phil Foden but once he gets into the dressing room, he'll realise."
Meanwhile, Roy Keane disagreed with Neville's take and claimed that Fernandes was the one that committed the "violent" offence, instead believing that Foden shouldn't have been sent off.
Keane said: "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 headbutt, we see violent differently. I don't think that's a red card for Foden, I don't."