Foden Gets Straight Red for Kick at Fernandes in Manchester Derby

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden was sent off in the 22nd or 23rd minute of the Manchester derby at Old Trafford after kicking out at Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes during a touchline confrontation. Referee Michael Oliver issued a straight red card for violent conduct, and VAR upheld the decision, leaving City with 10 men in a goalless match. Replays appeared to show Fernandes kicking Foden while he was on the ground before Foden extended both legs toward Fernandes, making the dismissal contentious. Wayne Rooney said Foden’s action was only a flick or gesture and did not merit a red card, while Gary Neville called it a petulant reaction that looked like a kick and questioned why Fernandes was not booked. City manager Enzo Maresca protested but made no half-time substitution. The dismissal was only the second Premier League derby red card in Manchester City’s history, after Bernardo Corradi in 2006.