Roy Keane has voiced strong disagreement with the decision to send Phil Foden off during the Manchester derby, and he also took aim at Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes for his part in the incident. The controversy began when Foden received a straight red card in the first half of Manchester City's 1-0 victory at Old Trafford after he appeared to kick out at Fernandes following a challenge by the United midfielder. Immediately after the incident, Sky Sports analyst Gary Neville expressed surprise that Fernandes escaped any sanction, noting that the Portuguese playmaker seemed to have struck Foden first. Keane, a former United stalwart who now works as a pundit for Sky, echoed Neville's sentiment and described the situation as "violent".

In his post‑match interview, Keane said: "Bruno goes in, tackles him, clearly fouls him and gives him a little boot on the floor. Foden gets up, reacts, and he's now sent off.

I'm guessing it's classed as violent conduct, but to me Bruno's the one who's violent here. I have to call it out.

I called Kyle Walker out a few years ago when he went down to a head‑butt [referring to the December 2024 incident when Rasmus Hojlund was sent off]. I don't think that's a red card for Foden, I really don't." He continued, adding that the referee should have been given a chance to assess the whole episode before making a decision: "Did the player give the referee a chance [to send him off]? Foden's a bit daft here, but so is Bruno.

If Bruno got sent off for that and nothing happened with Foden then we'd be saying, 'Do you know what, Bruno was a bit daft, a bit silly'. The players are all in the PFA, everyone's in a union – you have to look out for each other; you can't be rolling around. We saw Walker do it a few years ago with the head‑butt and Bruno's got to do better there. People say there's tension and it's a big game, but you have to look out for your teammates and the opposition as well.

Foden, I don't think it's a red card." Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca was also asked to weigh in. He said, "I think Phil Foden's red card is a red card, but I also think that in the same action it's a red card for Bruno Fernandes. I reviewed the action immediately after the red card on the bench. And it's a clear red card for Phil, because it's a reaction.

But you can also see in the same action Bruno's intention. So for me, yes, it's a red card for Phil, but it's also a red card for Bruno." Former City defender Micah Richards added his voice to the debate, suggesting that Fernandes should have been punished as well.

"Foden didn't react. If he had started screaming on the floor, then Bruno Fernandes would have been sent off.

It looks worse than it is. I agree with Roy – Fernandes catches him!

I don't agree with Foden's response, but it's Fernandes who started it," Richards told Sky Sports. The Premier League's Match Centre later published a clarification confirming that the referee's decision to dismiss Foden for violent conduct had been reviewed and upheld by VAR. The official wording read: "REF: 'Red card Phil Foden - kick out into the body of Bruno'.

VAR: 'That looks like a clear red card to me. Looks to be a secondary movement.

Confirming the red card for Manchester City No.47'." The derby itself was riddled with contentious moments beyond the Foden incident. Erling Haaland's winning goal in the 60th minute was initially ruled out for off‑side, only to be reinstated after a VAR review. The review concluded that Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu had kept Haaland onside, while City midfielder Enzo Fernández, though offside, did not touch the ball. However, his positioning appeared to interfere with United defender Lisandro Martínez, a factor that, under the laws of the game, should have kept the goal disallowed.

Three hours after full‑time, the refereeing body Pro Ref admitted an "error in judgement" regarding the goal and indicated that a formal apology to Manchester United was forthcoming. The fallout from the match has sparked a broader conversation about consistency in officiating, especially in high‑stakes fixtures. Critics argue that the disparity between the treatment of Fernandes and Foden highlights a lack of uniform standards for violent conduct. Supporters of the decision point to the clear provocation by Foden after being fouled, asserting that his reaction crossed the line.

Both clubs have faced scrutiny from fans and pundits alike. Manchester United's manager defended his players, emphasizing the need for composure in a heated rivalry, while City’s coaching staff stressed that the goal should stand as a testament to Haaland's clinical finishing. Meanwhile, the Professional Footballers' Association has been urged to intervene and ensure that all players, regardless of stature, receive fair treatment from match officials. As the debate continues, the incident serves as a reminder of how quickly emotions can flare in derby matches and the importance of clear, consistent application of the rules.

Whether the governing bodies will adjust their guidelines or issue further statements remains to be seen, but the conversation around Foden's dismissal and Fernandes' involvement is likely to endure throughout the remainder of the season.