Bruno Fernandes found himself at the center of controversy in Manchester United’s recent defeat to Tottenham, where he was shown a straight red card for a challenge on James Maddison. Referee Chris Kavanagh made the on-field decision to send off Fernandes, which was later upheld by Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Peter Bankes. Despite Fernandes’ protests and claims from both himself and Maddison that the tackle did not warrant a red card, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) confirmed the decision was based on “serious foul play.”
The Incident
The moment in question occurred in the 38th minute of Manchester United’s 3-0 loss to Tottenham. Fernandes, tracking back in midfield, lunged for the ball as James Maddison advanced. Unfortunately, the Portuguese midfielder slipped during his challenge, resulting in a collision with Maddison’s leg. Referee Kavanagh immediately produced a red card, deeming the challenge dangerous enough to merit dismissal.
However, Fernandes and many others saw the incident differently. While the United midfielder acknowledged that it was a foul, he vehemently argued that the contact made was not malicious or intentional, and certainly did not justify a red card. “I don’t go in with the studs, I take him with my ankle. It’s a clear foul, but never a red card,” Fernandes said after the game.
Interestingly, Maddison, the player on the receiving end of the challenge, shared a similar view. Speaking to the press, Maddison admitted it was a foul but questioned the severity of the decision. “Even Maddison, when he gets up, said it was a foul but never a red card,” Fernandes added.
PGMOL’s Decision and Explanation
Despite these protests, PGMOL released a statement supporting the decision to send Fernandes off. The match officials confirmed that the red card was for “serious foul play,” which is defined under the Laws of the Game as any action that endangers the safety of an opponent.
PGMOL’s rationale for backing the referee’s decision likely stemmed from the nature of the contact, particularly the risk of injury. Even though Fernandes may not have intended to cause harm, the rules are clear that players are responsible for the manner in which they challenge for the ball. A slip or accidental contact does not negate the fact that Maddison was put in potential danger by the force and angle of Fernandes’ tackle.
VAR’s review of the incident, led by Peter Bankes, did not find any clear and obvious error in Kavanagh’s decision, and as such, the red card was upheld. This stance has divided opinion among fans and pundits, with some arguing that it was a harsh decision, while others pointed out that safety must come first in such situations.
Fernandes’ Frustration amid Red Card
For Fernandes, the red card added to what was already a frustrating afternoon. Manchester United, down a goal at the time of his dismissal, were already struggling to match Tottenham’s intensity and fluidity. Losing their captain and creative force further compounded the team’s troubles, and United ultimately collapsed in the second half, conceding two more goals to leave Old Trafford on the wrong side of a 3-0 scoreline.
In his post-match interview, Fernandes expressed disappointment not only with the result but also with the officiating. “I know what I did. I take responsibility for the foul, but it’s really hard to accept the red card. It wasn’t malicious, and I didn’t go in studs-up. I just lost my footing,” he stated. The Portuguese international’s frustration was clear, particularly given the mounting pressure on Manchester United after a series of underwhelming performances.
Maddison’s Surprising Admission
James Maddison, whose involvement in the incident was crucial, offered a surprising perspective. “I felt the contact, but I didn’t think it was a red. It was more of a clumsy challenge than a dangerous one,” he said. Maddison’s candor added another layer of complexity to the debate, as it is rare for a player to openly question the severity of a foul that benefitted their own team.
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