Gary Neville defended Bruno Fernandes’ reaction in Manchester United’s 1-0 derby defeat by Manchester City, despite admitting he did not approve of the United captain’s attempt to influence the referee.
The incident came during a first-half confrontation at Old Trafford, when Fernandes swiped at Phil Foden as the Manchester City midfielder lay on the ground. Foden then kicked out at Fernandes and was shown a straight red card by referee Michael Oliver.
Fernandes appeared to exaggerate the contact, prompting a heated discussion between Neville and Roy Keane after the match.
Gary Neville and Roy Keane debate Bruno Fernandes incident
Neville said players had long tried to make the most of such incidents, including situations in which they sought to have opponents punished. He stressed, however, that he did not like the tactic.
“We can sit here all day long and debate this. I played in a dressing room for 15 or 20 years, and Roy might not agree with this, but we said ‘if you’re kicked in the box go down and win a penalty, if someone taps you take it’…” Neville said.
He added: “You do try and get players sent off. I know that’s not right, but it’s what happens in the game. It’s never going to change. I don’t like it.”
Keane immediately challenged that view, drawing a distinction between attempting to win a decision and deliberately trying to get an opponent dismissed.
“I don’t think we tried to get players sent off, I don’t agree with that. We would try and win decisions, but we wouldn’t dream of trying to get a player sent off,” the former Manchester United captain said.
Keane also questioned why Fernandes escaped punishment for his part in the confrontation, having avoided even a yellow card while Foden was dismissed.
Haaland goal adds to Manchester derby controversy
The refereeing debate continued after Erling Haaland scored the only goal of the match in the 60th minute. The effort was initially ruled out before a VAR review allowed it to stand.
Pro Ref later said VAR had made an error and should have recommended an on-field review, arguing that an offside midfielder, Fernández, had clearly affected the movement before Haaland converted.
Foden’s red card, Fernandes’ escape from punishment and the decision to allow Haaland’s goal all became major talking points as Manchester City secured victory at Old Trafford.
