Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Foden is only the second City player to be sent off in a Premier League Manchester derby
ByJess AndersonBBC Sport journalist- Published13 September 2026, 17:31 BST
The Manchester derby sparked controversy early on as Phil Foden was shown a straight red card for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes.
After a fairly lacklustre start to the encounter, the Manchester City midfielder was sent down the tunnel by referee Michael Oliver after 23 minutes at Old Trafford.
Foden, 26, becomes just the second City player to be sent off in a Premier League Manchester derby after Bernardo Corradi in December 2006.
But should he have been sent off? And what did the pundits and fans say?
What happened?
Midway through the first half, Foden picked up the ball wide on the right-hand side in his own half and was closed down by Fernandes, who tripped the City man.
Foden then kicked out at the body of the Portuguese midfielder while on the ground and was shown a straight red card by the referee.
Replays appeared to show Fernandes kicking Foden in the back first, before Foden retaliated.
The incident was checked by the video assistant referee, who confirmed the on-field decision.
Fernandes did not receive a booking for his part in the incident.
What did the pundits say?
Wayne Rooney: That can't be a red card. It was more of a flick or a gesture, than a kick out.
Danny Murphy: 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.
Gary Neville: A painful moment for Foden to have to make that run down the long tunnel. I'm surprised Fernandes didn't get a yellow for the kick on the floor, he's certainly pulled a reaction out of Foden which will help his team-mates.
Paul Robinson: Initially it looks really stupid from Phil Foden. He kicks out in the midriff of Bruno Fernandes. There is absolutely no way it was going to be overturned. That was petulant, that was stupid and he could have cost his side.
Roy Keane: Foden gets up and reacts obviously, so he's sent off. Fernandes catches him and gives him a little kick. I guess it's classed as violent. But Fernandes is the one who is violent here, I don't think Foden should have a red card.
What did the fans say?
John, Croydon: That is one of those decisions that pundits will insist is correct, but people in pubs up and down the country know is bonkers. Game is gone.
Thomas, Brighton: Utd fan but that's never a red! Why didn't VAR overturn? Yellow all day long for Foden and Fernandes.
Lee, Surrey: Never a red, if it is then Bruno should get red for kicking him on the floor. Absolute joke officials.
Callum, London: You have to send them both off. Fernandes has clearly kicked a man on the floor. That is frankly disgraceful from the pair of them. Both should be seeing a long ban.
David, East Kilbride: What was Foden thinking? A clear red card.
Mike, Glossop: Filthy Foden. Nailed on red card.
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What about Fernandes?
Fernandes was perhaps fortunate not to receive at least a yellow card for his part in the incident and the pundits were divided in their opinion on whether Foden was entirely at fault.
Dale Johnson, BBC Sport's issues correspondent, said: "The referee and VAR would have to deem it violent conduct rather than just petulance from Fernandes.
"The guidance changed some years ago to factor that in, so David Beckham's kick on Diego Simeone in the 1998 World Cup would not result in a sending off today.
"It looked to me like there was little to no contact from Fernandes, and if there was it was limited force and wasn't followed through.
"So Bruno's act would be seen as a yellow card offence, which the VAR obviously can't get involved in."
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