Alan Shearer has criticised Bruno Fernandes over his involvement in Phil Foden’s dismissal during Sunday’s heated Manchester derby, arguing that Manchester City were unfairly reduced to 10 men.
Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute after appearing to kick out at Fernandes during a confrontation.
The decision left City playing with a numerical disadvantage for most of the contest.
However, Shearer believes referee Michael Oliver should have punished both players rather than showing Foden a straight red card.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football, the former England striker took particular issue with Fernandes’ reaction to the incident.
Fernandes Accused of Exaggerating the Incident
Fernandes appeared to make contact with Foden while the City forward was on the ground.
Foden then reacted by kicking towards the Manchester United captain, who subsequently went to ground and appeared to be in considerable pain.
Shearer argued that Fernandes’ reaction played a major role in Foden being dismissed.
“I thought the way Bruno Fernandes went down was pathetic,” Shearer said.
“He helped get Foden off and, yes, he’s kicked out at him a little bit but Bruno Fernandes has also kicked Phil Foden.”
The former Newcastle United striker maintained that the two players should have received identical punishment.
“If Phil Foden reacts in the same way as Bruno Fernandes did then both get red cards. So, for me, either both are red or neither of them are.”
Shearer Blames Both Players
Shearer acknowledged that Foden was wrong to lash out but insisted Fernandes’ actions should also have been considered by Oliver.
“He’s kicked out, so he’s stupid, OK?” Shearer said.
“But Bruno Fernandes has done the same thing so for me, without doubt, they both should’ve been a red card if Michael Oliver thinks Phil Foden’s is a red card.”
His comments have added to the debate surrounding the referee’s handling of the confrontation, particularly over whether Fernandes’ initial involvement should have resulted in disciplinary action.
Agbonlahor Goes Further With Fernandes Criticism
Gabby Agbonlahor was even more severe in his assessment of the United captain.
Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Aston Villa forward accused Fernandes of deliberately exaggerating the incident.
“At the end of the day, Bruno Fernandes is a cheat,” Agbonlahor said.
“He’s an outstanding player, but he’s a cheat.”
Agbonlahor claimed Fernandes had kicked Foden twice while the City player was on the ground before making the most of Foden’s response.
“You’ve kicked Foden twice on the floor, which should have been a red card to you.
Then Foden’s lashed out a tiny little bit and you’re rolling around when you’re not hurt.”
Agbonlahor Argues for Yellow Cards
Rather than a red card for Foden, Agbonlahor believed Oliver should have intervened before the confrontation escalated.
“A proper referee goes over and says: ‘You two, cut it out, a yellow each, play on’. It’s never a red card,” he said.
He also linked the incident to another contentious decision from the derby, joking that United’s subsequent frustration over the match-winning goal represented footballing “karma.”
“Maybe the goal that should’ve been disallowed on Haaland, is the karma you sometimes get in football for the red card to Phil Foden.”
Haaland Goal Adds to Refereeing Debate
Agbonlahor was referring to Erling Haaland’s winning goal, which was allowed to stand despite concerns surrounding Enzo Fernandez’s position during the attacking move.
The goal was reviewed by VAR, with the technology determining that Haaland himself was onside.
However, the official refereeing body, Pro Ref, later acknowledged that the decision to allow the goal should have been overturned.
According to the explanation issued on Sunday evening, the initial offside decision against Haaland was checked and he was found to be in an onside position.
The review also established that Enzo Fernandez had not played the ball.
That meant any possible offside offence relating to his position was considered subjective.
Refereeing Body Admits VAR Error
Pro Ref said VAR should nevertheless have recognised the likely impact of Fernandez’s position and recommended an on-field review.
The organisation subsequently contacted Manchester United to acknowledge what it described as an error of judgement and said the incident would be reviewed.
The admission has added another layer to an already contentious Manchester derby, with the Foden red card and Haaland goal both becoming major talking points surrounding Michael Oliver’s officiating.
