Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has admitted that Phil Foden deserved to be sent off against Manchester United but Bruno Fernandes should also have been shown a red card.
Foden was shown a straight first-half red card in City’s 1-0 win at Old Trafford for kicking out at Fernandes after being fouled by the United midfielder.
Asked about the incident, Maresca replied (via Sky Sports): “I think Phil Foden’s red card is a red card, but I also think that in the same action it’s a red card for Bruno Fernandes.
“I reviewed the action immediately after the red card on the bench. And it’s a clear red card for Phil, because it’s a reaction.
“But you can also see in the same action Bruno’s intention. So for me, yes, it’s a red card for Phil, but it’s also a red card for Bruno.”
Also former City defender Micah Richards felt Fernandes should have been punished for his role in Foden’s sending off.
He told Sky Sports: “Foden didn’t react. If he had started screaming on the floor, then Bruno Fernandes would have been sent off.
“It looks worse than it is. I agree with Roy – Fernandes catches him!
“I don’t agree with Foden’s response, but it’s Fernandes who started it.”
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It was a controversy-filled derby, Pro Ref admitting an “error in judgement” to allow Man City’s winner.
Erling Haaland scored the winner on 60 minutes – the striker’s goal was initially disallowed for offside on the pitch before VAR overturned the decision.
The VAR officials deemed that Haaland was played onside by Man Utd defender Patrick Dorgu. However, City’s Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position as he attempted to play the ball before it reached Haaland.
Despite not touching the ball, Fernandez’s movement appeared to impact the defending of Man Utd’s Lisandro Martinez before Haaland’s back-post finish, which by the laws of the game should have led to the goal remaining disallowed.
Refereeing body Pro Ref admitted to their mistake around three hours after full-time. Nevill predicted Pro Ref would issue an apology for allowing the goal.
“Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement,” a statement read. “A review of the incident will take place.”
