Roy Keane has taken issue with the decision to dismiss Phil Foden during the Manchester derby, arguing that the young Manchester City attacker should have remained on the pitch. Keane also directed criticism at United captain Bruno Fernandes, suggesting that the Portuguese midfielder played a part in provoking the incident that led to the red card. The controversy began when Foden received a straight red card in the first half of Manchester City's 1-0 victory at Old Trafford. The referee deemed the Manchester United midfielder's reaction to a challenge as violent conduct, sending the 23-year-old off after only 23 minutes.

The sequence started when Fernandes, attempting to win the ball, made contact with Foden and then appeared to give the City forward a light kick as he fell to the ground. Foden, visibly upset, got to his feet and retaliated with a kick that struck Fernandes in the body. The officials, after a brief VAR review, confirmed the dismissal.

Sky Sports analyst Gary Neville was quick to voice his surprise that Fernandes escaped any sanction, noting that the initial contact seemed to come from the United player. Keane, who was working alongside Neville on the broadcast, echoed that sentiment. He described Fernandes' actions as "violent" and argued that the midfielder's initial tackle and subsequent boot to the floor were the real catalyst for the incident. "Bruno goes in, tackles him, clearly fouls him and gives him a little boot on the floor.

Foden gets up, does react, and he's now sent off," Keane said on air. "I'm guessing it's classed as violent conduct, but to me Bruno's the one who's violent here." The former Manchester United captain went on to compare the situation with a previous incident involving Kyle Walker, who was criticised for a head‑butt that resulted in a red card for Rasmus Hojlund in December 2024.

Keane suggested that if the roles were reversed, the outcome would have been different. "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'." Keane added, emphasizing the need for players to protect each other, especially as members of the Professional Footballers' Association. He concluded that, in his view, the red card was excessive: "Foden, I don't think it's a red card." Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca offered a nuanced perspective.

While he accepted that Foden's reaction warranted a dismissal, he also believed that Fernandes should have been punished for his role in the same play. "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," Maresca said. "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 echoed the sentiment that Fernandes bore responsibility. Richards argued that Foden's response was relatively restrained and that the midfielder's initial aggression set the stage for the dismissal.

"Foden didn't react. If he had started screaming on the floor, then Bruno Fernandes would have been sent off," Richards told Sky Sports. "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." The Premier League's official match centre later released a statement confirming that VAR had reviewed the incident and upheld the referee's decision.

The VAR commentary read: "Red card Phil Foden – kick out into the body of Bruno. That looks like a clear red card to me.

Looks to be a secondary movement. Confirming the red card for Manchester City No.47." Beyond the Foden incident, the derby was rife with additional controversy. Erling Haaland's decisive goal in the 60th minute was initially ruled out for off‑side, only to be reinstated after a VAR check. The review determined that Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu was onside when the ball was played, but Enzo Fernandez, who was in an off‑side position, appeared to interfere with United defender Lisandro Martínez's line of sight.

According to the Laws of the Game, such interference should have nullified the goal, yet the officials allowed it to stand. Three hours after full‑time, the refereeing body Pro Ref admitted to an "error in judgement" regarding the goal. A spokesperson said, "Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement.

A review of the incident will take place." The fallout from the match has sparked a broader debate about consistency in disciplinary action, the role of VAR, and the expectations placed on high‑profile players in intense fixtures. Critics argue that the standards applied to United and City players appear uneven, while supporters of the decisions contend that the referee acted correctly based on the evidence available at the moment. In summary, Roy Keane, along with several former players and analysts, believes that Bruno Fernandes should have faced disciplinary measures for his part in the clash that led to Phil Foden's dismissal.

The incident highlights the fine line between competitive aggression and violent conduct, especially in a derby where emotions run high. As the Premier League continues to refine its use of technology and disciplinary protocols, matches like this serve as a reminder of the challenges officials face in delivering fair and consistent outcomes.