Foden dismissed in derby - but did he deserve it?
September 13, 2026 16:45
Phil Foden was shown a straight red card by referee Michael Oliver after 23 minutes of the Manchester derby at Old Trafford for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes while on the ground. The decision was checked by the video assistant referee, who advised that the on-field red card stand.
Television replays appeared to show Fernandes make contact with Foden first — reportedly a kick to the back — before Foden retaliated, but that sequence did not change the sanction on the pitch.
KEY CONTEXT
- The incident began with Foden receiving the ball wide on City's right in his own half; Fernandes closed him down and tripped him, according to the match description.
- Foden is only the second Manchester City player to be sent off in a Premier League Manchester derby, the previous occasion being Bernardo Corradi in December 2006.
- Pundits and supporters reacted strongly and were divided over whether the red card was justified and whether Fernandes should have been booked for his part.
WHY IT MATTERS
- An early sending-off in a derby has immediate tactical and competitive consequences for the remainder of the match.
- The case highlights differences in how referees, VAR and commentators interpret retaliatory actions versus the initial contact that precipitated them.
- BBC Sport's issues correspondent noted that guidance on violent conduct has changed in recent years and that limited contact by the initial actor would usually be treated as a yellow-card matter — something VAR is not able to upgrade to a red for.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- The principal unresolved question is whether the red card was the correct application of the violent-conduct standard, a point on which pundits and fans remain split.
- Also worth monitoring is any wider debate about the boundaries of VAR involvement and how the updated guidance on violent conduct is being applied in high-profile incidents.
KEY FACTS
- Foden was dismissed after 23 minutes by referee Michael Oliver; VAR upheld the on-field red card.
- Replays appeared to show Bruno Fernandes made contact with Foden before Foden kicked out.
- Foden is only the second City player sent off in a Premier League Manchester derby (after Bernardo Corradi, Dec 2006).