Roy Keane offers surprise verdict on Bruno Fernandes’ behaviour in Foden red card incident

In a surprising verdict, Manchester United legend Roy Keane weighed in on the heated incident involving Bruno Fernandes and Phil Foden during the derby. The clash erupted when Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute for flopping after a physical encounter with Fernandes. The United captain delivered a solid punch to Foden before taunting him, prompting a retaliatory kick from the City star.

Fernandes was shown a red card, reducing City to ten men, though they ultimately secured a 1-0 victory thanks to Erling Haaland's controversial goal in the 60th minute. Pro Ref later admitted to a VAR mistake, stating Haaland's goal should have stood.

Keane expressed no sympathy for Foden during the conversation on Sky Sports. The Irishman questioned whether Foden gave the referee a fair chance and suggested that both players were acting foolishly. He stated, "If Bruno got sent off just for that we’d be saying Bruno was a bit daft and a bit silly." Keane emphasized that it's unacceptable for players to roll around after contact, adding, "Bruno’s got to do better there.

People saying there's tension there, it's a big game but you’ve got to after your teammates and the opposition players as well. Foden, I don't think it's a red card."

Keane went on to argue that Fernandes was the one who demonstrated violent behavior by kicking Foden. He concluded, "Fernandes catches him and gives him a little kick. I guess it’s classed as violent. But Fernandes is the one who is violent here; I don’t think Foden should have a red card." Enzo Maresca, who agreed that Foden's red card was justified, still felt that Fernandes should have received a caution as well.

United will return to action on Wednesday when they face Brighton & Hove Albion in the third round of the Carabao Cup.