Roy Keane has voiced strong opposition to the decision that saw Phil Foden expelled during the Manchester derby, arguing that the Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes should bear more responsibility for the incident that led to the City forward's dismissal. In the first half of Manchester City's 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, Foden received a straight red card after he appeared to kick out at Fernandes following a challenge by the United midfielder.

The incident sparked immediate debate among pundits and former players. Sky Sports analyst Gary Neville was quick to point out his surprise that Fernandes escaped any sanction, noting that the Portuguese international seemed to have struck Foden first.

Keane, who shares the Sky Sports studio, echoed Neville's sentiment, describing Fernandes' actions as "violent" and questioning the consistency of the disciplinary response. Keane explained his view to Sky Sports, saying: "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 headbutt (which Man Utd striker Rasmus Hojlund was sent off for in December 2024). I don't think that's a red card for Foden, I really don't." He continued, adding: "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 then we'd be saying, 'Do you know what, Bruno was a bit daft, a bit silly'. The players are all in the PFA, everyone's in a union – you have to look out for each other; you can't be rolling around.

We saw Walker do it a few years ago with the headbutt and Bruno's got to do better there. 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's head coach Enzo Maresca was also asked to weigh in on the controversy.

He responded: "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 shared a similar perspective, stating that Fernandes should have been punished for instigating the clash. "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 released a clarification confirming that the referee's decision to send off Foden for violent conduct had been reviewed and upheld by VAR.

The official wording read: "REF: 'Red card Phil Foden - kick out into the body of Bruno'. VAR: '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 red‑card drama, the derby was rife with other contentious moments. 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 review concluded that Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu had kept Haaland onside, while City midfielder Enzo Fernandez, though offside, did not touch the ball.

Nevertheless, his movement was deemed to have interfered with United defender Lisandro Martinez, a factor that, under the laws of the game, should have nullified the goal. Pro Ref, the refereeing body, admitted an "error in judgement" three hours after full‑time, acknowledging that the decision to allow Haaland's goal was incorrect.

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." Commentators, including former referee Nevill, predicted an official apology from Pro Ref for the mishandling of the decisive moment.

The fallout from the match has reignited discussions about consistency in disciplinary measures, the role of VAR, and the responsibility of senior players in high‑stakes fixtures. Critics argue that the differing treatment of Fernandes and Foden highlights a broader issue of selective enforcement, especially when star players are involved. Supporters of the decision contend that Foden's reaction—kicking after being fouled—fits the criteria for violent conduct, irrespective of who initiated contact.

In the weeks that follow, the Premier League is expected to review its protocols surrounding violent conduct and the use of VAR to ensure clearer guidelines for future incidents. Meanwhile, fans and analysts will continue to debate whether the red card was justified, and whether Fernandes should have faced a similar sanction. The Manchester derby will be remembered not only for Haaland's decisive strike but also for the heated debate over fairness, player conduct, and the evolving role of technology in football officiating.