Rooney gives ‘surprising’ verdict on Foden red card; Neville thinks Bruno got lucky
Wayne Rooney disagrees with the referee’s decision to send off Manchester City star Phil Foden after kicking Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.
The first 45 minutes of the derby were goalless, but the Red Devils are considered the big favourites to clinch the win at Old Trafford, as their ‘Noisy Neighbours’ were reduced to 10 men.
The incident ensued at the half-hour mark, sparked by a challenge from Fernandes.
Rooney doesn’t think Phil Foden deserved a red card
Foden fell to the ground after a shove from Bruno, who then kicked his opponent while trying to reach the ball.
The Portuguese’s rash challenge drew an immediate reaction from the Man City winger, who retaliated with an upkick.
Experienced match official Michael Oliver judged Foden’s action as violent conduct that warranted a straight red.
Despite his allegiance, Rooney claimed the referee got it wrong, as his compatriot’s action wasn’t severe enough for a dismissal.
The 40-year-old made this statement while appearing as a pundit on the BBC, which described his words as ‘surprising’ on their matchday coverage.
“That can’t be a red card. It was more of a flick or a gesture than a kick out,” argued the former England international.
However, Rooney’s fellow BBC pundit, Danny Murphy, pointed out that the Man City player kicked upwards, hence why Oliver gave him his marching orders
“Bruno kicked Foden first, but that’s not a red for him. But then Foden did kick out at him and if you kick upwards, you are going to get a red,” explained the former Liverpool midfielder.
Should Bruno Fernandes have been punished?
In addition to the raging debate over Foden’s red card, fans and pundits alike argued over Bruno’s action, and whether it deserved punishment.
During his appearance on Sky Sports, former Man Utd skipper Gary Neville was surprised that his successor escaped unscathed.
“I am surprised that Fernandes has got away without a booking,” said the retired right-back.
It should be noted that VAR cannot intervene for a yellow-card offence, which is why the referee’s original decision stood.
