Foden, Awoniyi, Disasi red cards explained as Premier League releases VAR verdicts

Premier League officials released verdicts on four significant VAR interventions from Matchweek four. Phil Foden, a Manchester City midfielder, received a red card in the 23rd minute of their 1-0 win against Manchester United for violent conduct, as confirmed by VAR. Assistant referee quoted the referee saying, "Red card Phil Foden – kick out into the body of Bruno."

Erling Haaland's goal in the 59th minute was initially ruled out for offside but later confirmed by VAR as onside, with Haaland putting Manchester United ahead. Manchester City's Bruno Fernandez was not in an offside position, and Haaland's goal stood, securing a 1-0 victory for City.

Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi was also dismissed with a red card in the 53rd minute of his team's 5-0 defeat to Brighton. Awoniyi was shown a straight red card for an elbow on Brighton defender Max De Cuyper, confirmed by VAR as violent conduct. In the same match, Crystal Palace defender Axel Disasi was sent off in the 34th minute for serious foul play after his boot made contact high on the shin of Ipswich forward Jack Clarke.

VAR upheld the referee's decision, describing the contact as high on the shin. Additionally, the Premier League explained two penalty decisions during Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Sunderland. A penalty was awarded in the 54th minute for a shirt-pull by Arsenal's Ezri Konsa on Sunderland's Dan Ballard, and another penalty was awarded in stoppage time after Bukayo Saka was challenged by Sunderland defender Reinildo Mandava.