Roy Keane has publicly voiced his belief that Phil Foden’s dismissal in the Manchester derby was unwarranted and has taken 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 international seemed to have struck Foden first.
Keane, another Sky pundit and former United player, agreed with Neville’s assessment and described Fernandes’s actions as "violent." He told Sky Sports: "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." Keane went on to compare the situation with a previous incident involving Kyle Walker, who was criticized for a head‑butt that led to Rasmus Hojlund’s dismissal in December 2024. "I don’t think that’s a red card for Foden, I really don’t," Keane said, emphasizing that the punishment did not fit the provocation.
He questioned whether the referee had been given a fair chance to assess the situation, adding, "Did the player give the referee a chance? Foden’s a bit daft here, but so is Bruno." He further argued that if the roles were reversed—if Fernandes had been sent off while Foden remained on the pitch—the narrative would shift to condemning Bruno’s behavior rather than Foden’s. "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 remarked.
He reminded viewers that all players belong to the Professional Footballers’ Association, a union that encourages mutual respect, and warned against reckless conduct that endangers both teammates and opponents. Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca was also asked to comment. He acknowledged that the red card for Foden was justified but suggested that Fernandes should have been penalised as well. "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.
He explained that he reviewed the footage from the bench and saw a clear case of violent conduct from Foden, yet also detected intent from Fernandes that warranted a similar sanction. Former City defender Micah Richards echoed Keane’s sentiment, stating that Fernandes was the instigator. "Foden didn’t react. If he had started screaming on the floor, then Bruno Fernandes would have been sent off," Richards told Sky Sports.
He added, "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 Match Centre later published an official clarification confirming that VAR had reviewed the referee’s decision and upheld the red card for violent conduct. The referee’s report read: "Red card Phil Foden – kick out into the body of Bruno," while the VAR commentary 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‑Fernandes episode, the derby was riddled with additional controversy. Erling Haaland’s winning goal in the 60th minute was initially ruled out for off‑side before VAR intervened and allowed it to stand.
The decision hinged on a complex off‑side chain involving Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu, who was deemed to have played Haaland onside, and Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who was in an off‑side position when he attempted to play the ball. Although Fernandez never touched the ball, his movement appeared to impede United defender Lisandro Martinez, a factor that, under the laws of the game, should have nullified the goal. Three hours after full‑time, the refereeing body Pro Ref admitted an "error in judgement" regarding the goal. A statement read: "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." Analysts predicted that Pro Ref would issue a formal apology for allowing the decisive goal. The fallout from the match has sparked a broader debate about consistency in officiating, the role of VAR, and the responsibilities of high‑profile players in maintaining discipline. Keane’s outspoken criticism underscores the expectation that senior figures like Fernandes should set a standard of conduct, especially in high‑stakes fixtures such as the Manchester derby.
As the season progresses, both clubs will be looking to avoid similar incidents that not only affect results but also fuel public scrutiny of the sport’s governance.