The Incident: Red Card Controversy
The match between Manchester United and Tottenham was already intense when the defining moment occurred late in the first half. Tottenham led 1-0, and as Spurs’ midfielder James Maddison advanced with the ball, Fernandes attempted a tackle. However, the United captain slipped just before making contact, and his leg caught Maddison on the shin.
Referee Chris Kavanagh judged the challenge to be serious foul play and immediately showed Fernandes a red card. The decision was then reviewed by VAR, led by Peter Bankes, who confirmed the on-field decision. The sending-off left Manchester United a man down, and they would go on to concede two more goals in the second half, sealing a 3-0 defeat.
Fernandes was visibly frustrated on the pitch and continued to voice his displeasure post-match.
Fernandes’ Response: “It Was Never a Red Card”
Breaking protocol, which usually exempts dismissed players from post-match duties, Fernandes felt compelled to explain his side of the story. “It was never a red card,” Fernandes insisted. He explained that his slip was accidental and significantly reduced the intent behind the challenge.
“I agree it’s a foul,” he said, “but I didn’t go in with my studs—it was my ankle. There wasn’t much contact, and it’s not serious foul play.”
Fernandes also suggested that Maddison, the player on the receiving end of the tackle, didn’t believe it was a red card either. “Even James Maddison, when he got up, said it wasn’t a red card,” Fernandes revealed, adding further fuel to the debate.
VAR’s Role: Failure to Overturn the Decision
The use of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) has often been a point of contention in football, and this incident was no exception. Fernandes openly questioned why VAR didn’t advise the referee to review the challenge on the pitchside monitor. “I don’t understand why VAR doesn’t call him to the screen,” Fernandes stated, highlighting his belief that a second look could have led to a different outcome.
For Fernandes, the yellow card would have been the right call, not the red. “If he wants to give me a yellow because they’re going on a counter, then I agree. But more than that, no—it’s not the case,” Fernandes said, expressing his confusion and disappointment with the officiating.
The Impact on Manchester United
Manchester United were already struggling at the time of Fernandes’ dismissal. Brennan Johnson had given Tottenham an early lead, and with Fernandes sent off, United’s hopes of mounting a comeback were drastically diminished. In the second half, Spurs took full advantage of their numerical superiority, adding goals from Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke to secure a 3-0 win.
With Fernandes off the pitch, United’s midfield lacked structure and creativity. His dismissal also put extra pressure on a defense that has already been struggling this season. The loss to Tottenham marked another low point in Manchester United’s season, and manager Erik ten Hag will have more questions to answer about the team’s performance, discipline, and future prospects.
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Fernandes Praises Teammates Despite Defeat
Despite the frustration of the red card and the subsequent defeat, Fernandes expressed pride in the way his teammates fought after his dismissal. “The team showed a lot of character, a lot of resilience, and a lot of fight,” Fernandes said. “They tried, and it wasn’t easy being down to 10 men. I have to appreciate all the effort my teammates put in.”
Manchester United’s captain acknowledged that while the result was disappointing, the attitude shown by the team in the face of adversity was commendable. However, he also recognized that his red card made an already difficult task much harder for his side.
Gary Neville’s Criticism: “A Disgraceful Performance”
Former Manchester United player and pundit Gary Neville did not hold back in his criticism of United’s overall performance. Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville branded the first half as one of the worst he had seen under Erik ten Hag’s management. “It’s been an absolute disgrace,” Neville said, adding that Fernandes’ red card summed up United’s lack of composure and discipline.
Neville acknowledged that while Fernandes slipped before the tackle, the challenge was dangerous, and there could be no complaints about the red card. “He’s gone in knee-high on Maddison,” Neville said. “It was reckless, and when you do that, you risk a red card.”
What’s Next for Manchester United and Fernandes?
The red card means that Fernandes will now miss United’s next Premier League match unless the club appeals the decision. Given Fernandes’ importance to the team as captain and creative leader, his absence will be a blow to Manchester United as they look to recover from a poor run of form.
1 – For the first time in his 242 appearances for Manchester United in all competitions, Bruno Fernandes has been given a red card. Dismissed. pic.twitter.com/bGud0WlB3z
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 29, 2024
Manager Erik ten Hag was also critical of the decision but chose to focus more on the team’s response after going down to 10 men. “I don’t think it was a red card,” ten Hag said. “It had a big impact on the game, but we have to be better and more disciplined in these situations.”
For Bruno, the frustration is clear, but he will need to quickly move on from the incident and prepare to lead his side again. United’s season is still young, but with early setbacks like this, there is increasing pressure on both the captain and the manager to turn things around.
A Red Card That Sparks Debate
Bruno Fernandes’ red card against Tottenham will be a talking point for days to come. While the midfielder and his manager maintain it was a harsh decision, VAR upheld the call, leaving Fernandes with no choice but to serve his suspension. Despite the controversy, Manchester United must focus on improving their performance as they look to climb the Premier League table and recover from this latest setback.
With key fixtures ahead, including a critical Champions League match, how Manchester United responds will be crucial to their season’s success
