Phil Foden sent off in Manchester derby for kicking Bruno Fernandes

Diego Fuentes. (2026, September 13). Phil Foden sent off in Manchester derby for kicking Bruno Fernandes. Dateline Wire. https://www.datelinewire.com/sports/phil-foden-red-card-manchester-derby/

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  author  = "Diego Fuentes",\n  title   = "Phil Foden sent off in Manchester derby for kicking Bruno Fernandes",\n  journal = "Dateline Wire",\n  year    = 2026,\n  url     = "https://www.datelinewire.com/sports/phil-foden-red-card-manchester-derby/"\n}

[Phil Foden sent off in Manchester derby for kicking Bruno Fernandes](https://www.datelinewire.com/sports/phil-foden-red-card-manchester-derby/) — *Dateline Wire* (2026). Corroborated multi-source report.

Foden’s Red Card Ends Manchester Derby in Goalless Stalemate

Phil Foden’s red card in the 23rd minute of Manchester City’s derby clash with Manchester United ended the match in a goalless draw, leaving City reduced to 10 men for the remainder of the game. The incident occurred at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Foden sent off for kicking United captain Bruno Fernandes in the stomach after a collision near the touchline. According to multiple reports, Fernandes attempted to dispossess Foden, resulting in the City midfielder falling to the ground. Replays showed Fernandes lightly kicking Foden on the backside, which prompted an aggressive reaction from Foden. The 26-year-old then retaliated by kicking Fernandes in the stomach with both feet, causing the United player to collapse in apparent pain. Referee Michael Oliver immediately issued a straight red card, a decision later upheld by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). The Premier League Match Centre confirmed the rationale for the sending-off, stating that Foden’s action constituted "violent conduct." VAR official Matt Donohue described the incident as a "clear red card," noting a "secondary movement" in Foden’s kick. The decision was corroborated by Sky Sports co-commentator Gary Neville, who acknowledged the severity of the offense but questioned why Fernandes escaped a yellow card for his initial challenge.

Detail	Information
Incident Time	23rd minute
Player Sent Off	Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Reason for Red Card	Violent conduct – kicking Bruno Fernandes in the stomach
VAR Confirmation	Confirmed as a clear red card
Historical Context	First Manchester City player sent off in a Premier League derby since 2006; first since 2017 overall

Historical Significance of Foden’s Dismissal

Foden’s red card marked a rare occurrence in the storied history of the Manchester derby. The last player to receive a red card in a Premier League encounter between the rivals was Marouane Fellaini in 2017, when he headbutted Sergio Aguero. Foden’s dismissal also made him the second Manchester City player to be sent off in a Premier League derby since 2006, when Bernardo Corradi was shown a red card. The incident underscored the intensity of the derby, which both teams entered with pressing needs for a win. The goalless draw left both sides with critical points lost, though City’s numerical disadvantage after Foden’s exit likely exacerbated their struggles.

Reactions and Controversies

The decision drew immediate scrutiny from pundits and fans. Gary Neville, speaking on Sky Sports, acknowledged that Foden had "no complaints" about the sending-off but expressed surprise that Fernandes was not booked for his initial challenge. "You are not going to get away with that," Neville said, referring to Foden’s kick. Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca remained composed despite the setback. The Italian chose not to make substitutions after the red card, opting to see out the first half with his original lineup. The decision highlighted the tactical challenges posed by Foden’s absence, particularly with Jeremy Doku sidelined with a calf injury. Foden’s suspension, confirmed by sportsmole.co.uk, will see him miss three matches: a EFL Cup game against Norwich City on September 14, a Premier League clash with Sunderland on September 20, and a trip to Liverpool on October 11. His return is scheduled for October 17 against Ipswich Town.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Phil Foden sent off?

Foden was shown a red card for violent conduct after kicking Bruno Fernandes in the stomach during a collision near the touchline. The incident occurred in the 23rd minute, and the decision was confirmed by VAR.

How many matches will Foden miss?

Foden will serve a three-match suspension for his red card, including a EFL Cup game against Norwich City and Premier League fixtures against Sunderland and Liverpool.

Was the red card justified?

The Premier League and VAR confirmed the dismissal as a "clear red card" for violent conduct. Pundits like Gary Neville acknowledged the severity of Foden’s action, though some questioned the lack of a booking for Fernandes’ initial challenge.

Unresolved Questions and Next Steps

The incident leaves Manchester City with a significant challenge as they navigate the early stages of the season. With Foden’s absence and Doku’s injury, Maresca must adapt his attacking strategy. The next test comes in the EFL Cup, where City will face Norwich City on September 14. Meanwhile, the Premier League’s next round of fixtures will see United host Watford on September 17, with both teams seeking to recover from the derby’s stalemate. For Foden, the red card marks a setback in his bid to establish himself as a key figure for City. His suspension also raises questions about the club’s depth in midfield, particularly as they prepare for a congested schedule. The coming weeks will determine whether the dismissal proves a turning point or a fleeting moment in an otherwise promising season.