Former England captain Alan Shearer described Bruno Fernandes as “pathetic” after his role in Phil Foden’s red card on Sunday.
Manchester United captain Fernandes was involved in the brawl in the first half, initially kicking Foden before falling theatrically to the ground when the Manchester City midfielder responded by planting both feet into the Portuguese’s midfield.
It was difficult to distinguish between the two bad actions, but only Foden received a red card from referee Michael Oliver.
Shearer said The rest is football Podcast: “I thought the way Bruno Fernandes went down was pathetic. He helped take Foden out, and yeah, he kicked him out a little bit but Bruno Fernandes also kicked Phil Foden.
“If Phil Foden reacts the same way as Bruno Fernandes, will they both get red cards? So, for me, it’s either both red or neither.”
Agbonlahor calls Fernandes a “cheater”
United failed to make the most of their man advantage with Erling Haaland’s controversial winner – a goal which Pro Ref later admitted should not have stood – proving decisive.
It was a game lacking in quality but high on talking points with talkSPORT presenter Gabby Agbonlahor also taking a jab at Fernandes.
The former Aston Villa striker said: “At the end of the day, Bruno Fernandes is a cheater. He is an outstanding player, but he is a cheater.”
“You kicked Foden twice to the ground, which should have been a red card for you. Then Foden lashed out a bit and you rolled over unharmed.
“The right referee comes and says: ‘You two, cut the ball off, a yellow card for both of you, keep playing.’ It’s never a red card.
“That’s why you get your karma. Maybe the goal that had to be disallowed for Haaland is the karma you sometimes get in football because of the red card for Phil Foden.”
Kane is frustrated by the lack of solidarity between the players
Speaking as a Sky Sports pundit on Sunday, former United midfielder Roy Keane also felt Fernandes contributed to Foden’s sacking.
The Irishman said: “Bruno comes in, tackles him, clearly tackles him and hits him with a boot on the ground. Foden gets up, reacts, and now he’s sent off.
“I think it was classified as violent behaviour, but for me Bruno is the violent one here. I have to announce that. I don’t think this is a red card for Foden, I don’t really think so.
“The players are all members of the PFA, everyone is in a union – you have to try to look after each other; you can’t roll.”
