Roy Keane has voiced strong opposition to the decision that saw Phil Foden sent 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. Sky Sports analyst Gary Neville was quick to react, expressing surprise that Fernandes escaped any sanction despite what looked like an initial kick toward Foden. Keane, a former United player and regular pundit on Sky, agreed with Neville’s assessment and described the Portuguese international’s actions as "violent." In his post‑match interview with Sky, Keane recounted the sequence of events: "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. I don’t think that’s a red card for Foden, I really don’t." He went on to question the referee’s handling of the situation, asking, "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, we’d be saying, ‘Do you know what, Bruno was a bit daft, a bit silly.’" Keane also stressed the collective responsibility of professional players, noting that "the players are all in the PFA, everyone’s in a union – you’ve got to try and look out for each other; you can’t be rolling around." He recalled a previous incident involving Kyle Walker’s head‑butt and argued that Fernandes should have behaved better.
"People say there’s tension and it’s a big game, but you’ve got to look out for your teammates and the opposition players as well. Foden, I don’t think it’s a red card." Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca offered a nuanced view when asked about the episode. 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 echoed a similar sentiment, suggesting that Fernandes should have been punished. "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 clarified the official reasoning behind the dismissal.
The referee’s report, confirmed by VAR, read: "Red card Phil Foden – kick out into the body of Bruno." VAR added, "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 riddled with further controversy. 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 officials determined that United defender Patrick Dorgu had played Haaland on‑side, while City’s Enzo Fernández was in an off‑side position when he attempted to play the ball. Although Fernández never touched the ball, his movement appeared to interfere with United defender Lisandro Martínez’s defensive line, a factor that, under the Laws of the Game, should have kept the goal disallowed. Pro Ref, the governing body responsible for refereeing standards, admitted an "error in judgement" three hours after full‑time. 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." Commentators such as Neil Nevile predicted that Pro Ref would issue a formal apology for allowing the goal. The fallout from the match has sparked a broader debate about consistency in disciplinary decisions, the role of VAR, and the expectations placed on high‑profile players during intense rivalries. Keane’s criticism underscores a lingering frustration among former players who feel that the standards applied to star athletes are sometimes uneven. While some argue that the referee acted correctly in sending Foden off for violent conduct, others, including former teammates and pundits, contend that the initial foul by Fernandes warranted a similar sanction.
In the weeks ahead, the incident is likely to be reviewed by the FA’s disciplinary committee, which may consider whether additional sanctions should be applied to Fernandes for his involvement. The conversation also raises questions about how referees interpret "violent conduct" when both parties engage in aggressive behavior, and whether the current VAR protocols provide sufficient clarity. Regardless of the final rulings, the Manchester derby will be remembered not only for Haaland’s decisive strike but also for the heated post‑match analysis that highlighted the fine line between competitive spirit and disciplinary breach.
Fans, analysts, and officials alike will continue to dissect the footage, hoping to derive lessons that could shape future officiating decisions in high‑stakes fixtures.