Roy Keane brands Bruno Fernandes ‘daft’ after Phil Foden’s red card

In the Manchester derby on Sunday’s afternoon, Phil Foden was SENT OFF in the 23rd minute after a clash with Bruno Fernandes that saw referee Michael Oliver brand the City winger for violent conduct against Man United. The incident unfolded before England manager Thomas Tuchel, captured in a Picture by Getty, and sparked Roy Keane’s furious reaction.

The clash

The confrontation began when Fernandes, lying on the ground after a challenge, kicked at Foden’s midriff. Foden then raised his foot, making only minimal contact, but the Referee deemed it violent conduct and issued a straight red. VAR replays confirmed the initial kick from Fernandes, yet the decision stood.

Reactions and legacy

Keane argued, “We have to be fair and ask did the player give the referee a chance and Foden is a bit daft but so is Bruno here,” adding, “If Bruno got sent off just for that we’d be saying Bruno was a bit daft.”

Former Sunderland defender Micky Gray and ex‑Arsenal winger Perry Groves also criticised the decision, while ProRef explained the VAR confirmation of the red card. Watch the footage to see why the Referee upheld the sanction.

It was the First Manchester City player to be sent off in a derby since Bernardo Corradi in December 2006, given the rarity of such dismissals. The incident added to the growing list of Man De controversies this season.

The dismissal left City with ten men for the remainder of the first half, contributing to a difficult afternoon for the 26‑year‑old who had started the season strongly. It also marked the second red card of the Premier League day, following Coventry striker Taiwo Awoniyi’s sending‑off.