Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden was shown a straight red card during the Manchester derby for an incident involving Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes. The confrontation occurred in the first half of the match at Old Trafford.
Referee Michael Oliver issued the red card after deeming Foden's action to be violent. Replays indicated that Fernandes had kicked Foden while both players were on the ground. Foden's subsequent reaction involved extending his legs into Fernandes's stomach, leading to his dismissal.
VAR reviewed the incident and described Foden's action as having 'secondary movement' and a 'clear red card'.
Foden, who hails from Stockport, Greater Manchester, has been experiencing a difficult run of form. He has not scored in 2026 and was omitted from the England squad for the World Cup. Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville commented on the incident, calling Foden's reaction 'a petulant little reaction' to being kicked while on the ground, but acknowledging Foden's potential annoyance at Fernandes's initial action.
England manager Gareth Southgate was present at Old Trafford, as was his predecessor Thomas Tuchel, who is also the current manager of Bayern Munich.
Foden, who was named Premier League Player of the Season in the 2023-24 campaign, has struggled to replicate that form. The red card marks another setback in his recent career.