Foden sent off in Manchester derby - was the red card justified?
Manchester City's Phil Foden was shown a straight red card in the Manchester derby for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes, sparking debate among pundits and fans over whether the decision was correct.
The Manchester derby at Old Trafford was overshadowed early on by a contentious refereeing decision, after Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden was sent off in the first half.
In the 23rd minute, the 26-year-old was tripped by Bruno Fernandes while in possession near his own half. While on the ground, Foden kicked out at the Portuguese midfielder's body, prompting the referee to issue a straight red card. Replays suggested Fernandes had kicked Foden in the back moments before the retaliation, though the United player was not booked for his involvement. The video assistant referee reviewed the incident and upheld the on-field decision.
Foden became only the second City player sent off in a Premier League Manchester derby, following Bernardo Corradi in December 2006.
Pundits split on the call
Reaction among football pundits was divided. Wayne Rooney argued the incident looked more like a flick or gesture than a genuine kick, and did not merit a red card. Danny Murphy acknowledged Fernandes struck Foden first but said Foden's upward kick made the red card almost inevitable. Gary Neville said he was surprised Fernandes avoided even a yellow card for kicking a player on the ground. Paul Robinson was more critical of Foden, calling the reaction petulant and unlikely to ever be overturned.
Fans react
Fans were similarly split. Some called the decision absurd, while others argued both players should have been sent off given Fernandes' kick on a grounded opponent. Others firmly backed the referee, describing Foden's kick as a clear and obvious red card offence.
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