Professional Refereeing chief Howard Webb has stood by the decision to dismiss Phil Foden during the Manchester derby, explaining that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system was not permitted to intervene and issue a caution to Bruno Fernandes for the "petulant" kick that ignited the confrontation. The incident unfolded in Manchester City’s 1-0 triumph at Old Trafford, when Foden was shown a straight red for violent conduct after he lashed out at the United captain following a foul. While many observers felt that Fernandes had initially provoked the clash by delivering a quick foot‑to‑foot strike at Foden, the referee’s on‑field judgment focused solely on the City forward’s reaction. During the post‑match review, the VAR team appeared to be juggling two separate issues.
Their first priority was to determine whether a penalty should be awarded after United midfielder Enzo Fernandez challenged Youri Tielemans. Meanwhile, referee Michael Oliver was already brandishing the red card for Foden. VAR official Matt Donohue can be heard asking, "Who has been sent off and for what?" as the officials debated the potential penalty.
Shortly thereafter, Donohue was prompted by his assistants to examine the earlier kick from Fernandes that had set the melee in motion. The audio from the VAR suite captures a series of rapid exchanges. The assistant VAR notes a "possible kick‑out," and the referee asks, "Has he kicked him there?" VAR confirms that Enzo Fernandez clearly played the ball, ruling out a penalty, before turning attention to the alleged violent conduct.
The conversation continues with the VAR confirming the red‑card decision, stating, "That looks like a clear red card to me," and asking the on‑field referee to confirm his disciplinary call. Oliver ultimately confirms the dismissal, describing the incident as a "kick out into the body of Bruno [Fernandes]" after a brief tussle.
Webb later clarified his stance in a press briefing. He said, "I agree with the red card for Phil Foden for violent conduct. He kicked out with force into the upper body of Bruno Fernandes.
We have seen a similar case at Aston Villa when Joao Gomes was sent off for a comparable action." Webb emphasized that the referee’s decision on the field is paramount and that VAR cannot overturn a red card once it has been issued. When addressing Fernandes' role, Webb described the United captain’s action as "petulant rather than violent." He explained that for conduct to be classified as violent, it must involve excessive force or brutality, which he did not see in Fernandes' quick tap. Consequently, Webb argued that the appropriate sanction would have been a yellow card, but VAR does not have the authority to intervene to issue a caution after the referee has already sent a player off.
"If the entire incident had been missed and nothing was given against Foden, VAR could have stepped in to assess both actions," Webb said. "Because the referee gave the red card, that option is not open for VAR." Sky Sports analyst Laura Hunter offered a critical perspective on the whole episode.
She noted that the VAR review was chaotic and that the lead VAR official seemed distracted by the earlier penalty question. "The immediacy of Oliver’s decision to send Foden off is the determining factor here," Hunter wrote. "Oliver acted quickly, which suggests confidence, and VAR allowed the call to stand.
The bar for VAR intervention has been deliberately raised for subjective decisions to avoid re‑refereeing games." Hunter argued that while many can accept Oliver’s decision as not a "clear and obvious error," the interpretation of "violent conduct" remains subjective. She questioned why VAR did not scrutinise the trigger for Foden’s reaction more closely. "In reality, the Manchester United captain is the first offender and Foden’s kick was retaliation for the kick he received after being fouled," Hunter asserted. She contended that both players deserved equal treatment and that failing to punish Fernandes for an identical action was a significant oversight.
"There is never any mention of it," she added, emphasizing that VAR’s role is to alert the referee to such incidents. The broader debate touches on the evolving role of VAR in modern football.
Since its introduction, VAR has been tasked with correcting clear and obvious errors, particularly in goal‑mouth situations, penalties, and red‑card offences. However, the system deliberately avoids second‑guessing the referee’s judgment on subjective matters such as the level of force in a challenge. This principle was highlighted by Webb, who stressed that VAR cannot issue a yellow card after a red has already been shown. The incident therefore underscores the fine line between ensuring fairness and preserving the authority of the on‑field officials.
In the aftermath, both clubs issued statements. Manchester City defended Foden, noting his frustration after being fouled and insisting that the red card was justified given the nature of his retaliation. Manchester United, meanwhile, called for a review of the decision not to caution Fernandes, arguing that consistency in disciplinary measures is essential for the integrity of the game. The episode also sparked discussion among fans and pundits about the need for clearer guidelines on what constitutes "petulant" versus "violent" conduct.
Some suggested that a tiered sanction system could allow VAR to recommend a caution for minor infractions even when a red card has been issued for a separate act. Others warned that expanding VAR’s remit could lead to excessive interruptions and undermine the flow of the match. Ultimately, Howard Webb’s comments reaffirm the current framework: once a referee issues a red card, VAR’s scope is limited to confirming the decision, not adding supplementary punishments.
The controversy surrounding Fernandes’ unpunished kick will likely fuel ongoing debates about VAR’s role and the consistency of disciplinary standards across the Premier League. The incident serves as a reminder that football’s governing bodies continue to grapple with balancing technological assistance and the human element of officiating. As the season progresses, clubs, officials, and fans will be watching closely to see whether any rule adjustments are made to address the grey areas highlighted by the Foden‑Fernandes clash.