Maresca says Fernandes deserved a red card after Foden’s dismissal

At the Etihad Stadium on 13 September, the Premier League’s fourth round saw Manchester City edge Manchester United 1‑0 in a derby that will be remembered as much for officiating as for Erling Haaland’s 60th‑minute winner. The match also sparked debate after Phil Foden was shown a straight red for a retaliation at the 23rd minute.

Pro Ref acknowledges goal error

The decisive goal by Haaland was later examined by Pro Ref, the body that oversees English refereeing, which confirmed a mistake in the decision‑making process. The organisation’s post‑match statement has become a focal point of discussion among fans and pundits alike.

Maresca and Keane demand equal punishment

Ref（旧：PGMOL）』が試合後に公表したことが話題となっているなか、23分にフィル・フォーデンが一発退場となった場面の判定も議論を呼ぶものとなっている。Enzo Maresca, Manchester City’s manager, said, “Foden’s red card is justified, but Bruno Fernandes should have received the same sanction in that sequence of play.”

Former Ireland international Roy Keane, who provided analysis for the match, echoed the sentiment, describing Fernandes’s tackle as a clear foul followed by a light kick to a fallen opponent. Keane added that, in his view, the violence lay with Fernandes, not Foden.

Both clubs’ players are members of the Professional Footballers’ Association, a fact highlighted by Keane when he urged mutual respect on the pitch. He warned that reckless actions undermine the spirit of the game and called for consistent disciplinary standards.

The incident has reignited calls for clearer guidelines on retaliation and the use of video‑assistant referees in high‑stakes fixtures. As the debate continues, the derby will be remembered not only for Haaland’s strike but also for the officiating controversy that surrounded it.