Why Phil Foden was shown a red card against Manchester United as Premier League issue statement

The incident in question came about at the midway point at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon as Foden clashed with Man United captain Bruno Fernandes near the touchline.

As Fernandes went to ground clutching his stomach, Foden was visibly stunned to turn around and see the red card had been issued in his direction by referee Michael Oliver.

Replays showed the Man City star kicked out at Fernandes after feeling he had, himself, been kicked twice by the United midfielder while he was on the ground.

The Premier League’s Match Centre have now confirmed that Foden was shown a red card because his action was considered violent.

A statement reads: “The referee’s call of red card to Foden for violent conduct was checked and confirmed by VAR.

“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’.”

Red card: Phil Foden

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Gary Neville, on co-commentary for Sky Sports, issued his verdict on the incident, saying Foden could have no complaints about the sending-off, though did question why Fernandes escaped without a booking.

He said: "It looks like Foden has reacted.

"He has kicked him in the stomach. You are not going to get away with that.

"VAR has described it as a kick with both feet into the stomach.

"I am surprised that Fernandes has got away without a booking."