Alan Shearer has strongly criticized Bruno Fernandes for his role in Phil Foden's red card during the Manchester derby. Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute after kicking out at Fernandes, who had appeared to kick the Manchester City player while he was on the ground before theatrically reacting to the contact.
Shearer, speaking on "The Rest Is Football" podcast, described Fernandes' reaction as "pathetic" and argued that the referee, Michael Oliver, made an incorrect decision by only punishing Foden. "He’s kicked out, so he’s stupid, OK? But Bruno Fernandes has done the same thing so for me, without doubt, they both should’ve been a red card if Michael Oliver thinks Phil Foden’s is a red card," Shearer stated.
He elaborated that if Foden's action warranted a red card, Fernandes' initial contact and subsequent reaction should have resulted in a similar punishment, leading to either both players being dismissed or neither.
Other football pundits have also voiced criticism of Fernandes' conduct. Gabby Agbonlahor labeled the Manchester United captain a "cheat" on talkSPORT, asserting that Fernandes kicked Foden twice on the ground, an offense he believes should have also resulted in a red card. Agbonlahor suggested that Fernandes exaggerated his pain after the contact.
This incident has drawn parallels to a controversial goal awarded to Erling Haaland later in the match. The goal was permitted to stand after a VAR review, despite Enzo Fernandez appearing to interfere with play from an offside position. The official refereeing body, Pro Ref, later admitted the decision was an error of judgment and apologized to Manchester United, stating that VAR should have recommended an on-field review of the potential offside.