Micah Richards believes referees and VAR had a “bad day” during Manchester United‘s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City, with two major decisions dominating the Manchester derby.
City were reduced to 10 men after Phil Foden was shown a straight red card in the 23rd minute for reacting to a kick from Bruno Fernandes. The decision immediately sparked debate, but it wasn’t the only controversial moment at Old Trafford.
On the hour mark, Erling Haaland put City ahead, only for the goal to initially be ruled out for offside. VAR then overturned the decision, allowing the striker’s goal to stand.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Richards was highly critical of both calls.
Micah Richards questions both major derby decisions
“I think it’s been a bad day for referees, I think it’s been a bad day for VAR.
“I think they got the Phil Foden decision wrong after 23 minutes and they got this decision wrong. How you can say Enzo Fernández is not challenging … Of course he is.”
The former defender argued that even without touching the ball, Fernandez’s movement had an impact on Lisandro Martinez.
“I’ve been in that position as a defender where any slight movement can make the difference between going for the ball or not. Of course it affects him.”
Richards was convinced the officials got the decision wrong, but he was equally keen to give City credit for what they produced after Foden’s dismissal.
“I just think they got it so wrong, but that doesn’t take anything away from City’s performance. To go that long with 10 men is just incredible.”
“We talked about fight, we talked about spirit, new manager, first derby, what have you got? They showed exactly what they are.”
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Michael Carrick fumes over Haaland goal as Man Utd left confused by VAR call
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