Professional Refereeing chief Howard Webb has publicly supported the decision to dismiss Manchester City winger Phil Foden in the high‑stakes Manchester derby, while also pointing out that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system was unable to intervene to caution United captain Bruno Fernandes for the earlier, arguably "petulant" kick that ignited the confrontation. The incident unfolded in Manchester City's 1-0 triumph at Old Trafford. After being challenged by Fernandes, Foden reacted by delivering a forceful kick to the United midfielder's torso. The referee, Michael Oliver, interpreted the action as violent conduct and immediately produced a red card, sending the young England international off the pitch.
Fernandes, however, escaped any sanction despite appearing to be the initiator of the clash. In the moments leading up to Foden's retaliation, the United captain delivered a sharp, off‑the‑ball kick to Foden's shin.
That provocation set the stage for the later violent‑looking response, yet the officials chose not to issue a yellow card to Fernandes. The VAR review process added further confusion. While the on‑field officials were busy confirming the red card, VAR officer Matt Donohue was still discussing a separate potential penalty involving Manchester United's Enzo Fernández and his challenge on Youri Tielemans.
During that discussion Donohue asked, "Who has been sent off and for what?" indicating that the focus had shifted back to the Foden‑Fernandes incident. Assistant VAR staff then prompted Donohue to examine the earlier kick from Fernandes.
The audio from the VAR room captures a back‑and‑forth exchange: - VAR: "Checking possible penalty. One more angle to prove he's definitely played the ball. It looks like he's played the ball." - Referee Oliver: "No, no.
The ball, in my opinion, is played by Enzo Fernández. Feet are side by side." - Assistant VAR: "Possible kick‑out as well." - Referee: "Has he kicked him there?" - VAR: "Confirm here you think that Enzo has definitely played the ball and that this is no penalty." - Assistant VAR: "Possible violent conduct." - VAR: "Okay and then he's gone red card. So, I would say no penalty there, he definitely plays the ball, yeah? Okay and now we need to look at the rest, okay?" - Assistant VAR: "It was for a kick‑out.
It looks like he's given a foul and then the legs came up." - VAR: "Michael [referee], the penalty is checked and cleared. Just confirm your on‑field decision in terms of discipline here, please." - Referee Oliver: "Red card, Phil Foden.
Kick out into the body of Bruno [Fernandes]. The foul is by Bruno on Phil. I think he's in a tangle and when they are separating, I think Phil kicks him.
But they will check." - VAR: "That looks like a clear red card to me. Secondary movement, watch broadcast. Okay, happy to confirm?" - VAR: "Red card. Happy to confirm?
Confirming the red card for Manchester City 47. A kick to the midriff with two feet." - Assistant VAR: "No, the other one [Bruno's first kick]. That's not what they're talking about. That is the one they're talking about." - VAR: "Minimal, minimal.
That's not for us; that's fine." - Assistant VAR: "Yeah, I agree." After the match, Webb, who now serves as the chief operating officer of the Professional Referee Organization, gave a detailed statement. He said, "I agree with the red card for Phil Foden for violent conduct. He kicks out with force into the upper body of Bruno Fernandes. We saw a player sent off for Aston Villa, Joao Gomes, for a similar thing." Webb then turned his attention to Fernandes's earlier action, describing it as "petulant rather than violent." He explained the distinction: "To be classified as violent conduct, the action must involve excessive force or brutality.
When you watch the footage at full speed, Fernandes's kick lacks that element. It would merit a yellow card, and VAR does not have the authority to step in to award a caution." He added a crucial procedural point: "If the on‑field referee had missed everything and taken no action against Foden, VAR could have intervened to assess both players.
Because the referee already issued a red card, VAR's options are limited; they cannot now add a yellow for Fernandes after the fact." Sky Sports analyst Laura Hunter offered a critical perspective on the whole episode. She noted that the VAR room seemed distracted by the earlier penalty review, causing a delay in addressing the kick‑out. "Lead VAR official Matt Donohue is preoccupied with a previous incident in real time," she wrote. "His assistant leads with 'possible kick out' by Foden, but the immediacy of Oliver's decision to send Foden off becomes the decisive factor." Hunter argued that the threshold for VAR intervention has deliberately been raised for subjective decisions, such as assessing intent or level of force, to avoid constant re‑refereeing.
She suggested that less VAR interference can be beneficial, but also pointed out an apparent inconsistency: "The VAR room failed to spot the trigger for Foden's reaction. Why is that not scrutinised in more detail?" According to Hunter, the evidence shows that Fernandes was the first offender, delivering a sharp kick that prompted Foden's retaliation. She contended that both players should have received comparable sanctions, stating, "The decision not to punish Fernandes for the exact same action Foden is red‑carded for is a huge oversight.
Both deserved equal treatment, especially as Oliver clearly missed the first part from his position on the pitch." In summary, the incident highlights the complex interplay between on‑field judgment and VAR oversight. Webb's comments clarify why VAR could not issue a yellow card to Fernandes after a red had already been shown, while critics like Hunter argue that the consistency of disciplinary action was compromised. The episode will likely fuel ongoing debates about the scope of VAR, the definition of violent conduct versus petty aggression, and how referees balance swift on‑field decisions with the safety and fairness of the game.