Alan Shearer questions Bruno Fernandes’ role in Phil Foden’s Manchester derby red card

Alan Shearer has criticised Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes for his part in Phil Foden’s dismissal during Sunday’s Manchester derby, describing the Portuguese midfielder’s reaction as “pathetic”.

Foden was shown a straight red card in the 23rd minute after kicking Fernandes, leaving Manchester City with 10 players for most of a match they went on to win 1-0.

The Manchester City forward appeared to react after Fernandes seemed to kick him while he was on the ground. Fernandes then writhed in apparent pain, but Foden was the only player punished for the incident.

Shearer, the former Newcastle striker and the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer, believes that decision was wrong. He said Fernandes’ actions also contributed to Foden being sent off.

“I thought the way Bruno Fernandes went down was pathetic,” Shearer said, in comments reported by the Daily Mail. “He helped get Foden sent off. Yes, Foden kicked him a little bit, but Bruno Fernandes kicked Phil Foden too.”

Shearer argued that the two players should have received the same punishment if the referee believed Foden’s kick warranted a red card.

“If Phil Foden had reacted in the same way as Bruno Fernandes, they would both have been sent off,” he added. “So, for me, either both players should be shown a red card or neither of them should.”

Foden was dismissed by referee Michael Oliver after the incident, with Manchester City forced to play the remainder of the contest with 10 men. Despite that disadvantage, the Cityzens secured a 1-0 victory in the derby.

Shearer maintained that Foden was still responsible for his own dismissal, but said Fernandes should also have been punished for his role in the confrontation.

“He was sent off, so he is stupid, all right?” Shearer said. “But Bruno Fernandes did the same thing, so for me, without doubt, they should both have received red cards if Michael Oliver believed Phil Foden’s kick was worthy of a sending-off.”