Roy Keane has accused Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes of play-acting to get Manchester City winger Phil Foden sent off during Sunday's Manchester derby. Speaking at half-time, Keane insisted the red card shown by referee Michael Oliver was not justified, arguing that Fernandes was the aggressor in the incident.
Foden sent off after first-half clash
Foden was given his marching orders midway through the first half in front of England manager Thomas Tuchel. The City winger was deemed guilty of violent conduct after raising his foot into the midriff of Fernandes. Replays confirmed Foden had made minimal contact with the United skipper, but only after he himself had been provoked by a Fernandes kick that struck him while he was lying on the floor.
Keane, assessing the incident at half-time, was adamant that the punishment did not fit the crime, while also arguing that Fernandes failed to cover himself in glory with his histrionics.
Keane: 'Both players are a bit daft'
Keane said: 'We have to be fair and ask did the player give the referee a chance and Foden is a bit daft but so is Bruno here. If Bruno got sent off just for that we'd be saying Bruno was a bit daft and a bit silly.'
He added: 'Both players are in the PFA, everyone is in a union. You've got to try and look out for each other. You can't be rolling around. Bruno's got to do better there. People saying there's tension there, it's a big game but you've got to after your teammates and the opposition players as well.'
Keane: 'Fernandes is the one who is violent'
Arguing that Fernandes was the aggressor, Keane added: 'Foden gets up and reacts obviously so he's now sent off. Fernandes catches him and gives him a little kick. I guess it's classed as violent. But Fernandes is the one who is violent here, I don't think Foden should have a red card.'
Keane's comments come as former Manchester United players Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville have disagreed over the red card decision. The incident has also sparked debate among Premier League pundits, with Enzo Maresca noting that Manchester United do one thing more than any other Premier League team, and Mikel Arteta being told that a £52m United star would 'shine' at Arsenal.
The red card is likely to have significant implications for both clubs, with Foden facing a potential suspension and Manchester City having to cope without one of their key attacking players in upcoming fixtures.
