Roy Keane has claimed Bruno Fernandes was the 'violent one' in the incident that saw Phil Foden sent off for kicking out at his rival in Sunday's Manchester derby.
The game erupted midway through the first half following a coming together between the midfielders, with Foden shown a straight red card by referee Michael Oliver. Foden, who had been left on the ground following a tackle, appeared to be kicked in the back by the Manchester United captain, sparking an angry response from the England star, who retaliated by swinging both feet into Fernandes' stomach.
Foden was stunned at the decision before eventually leaving the field after the call was checked and verified by VAR.
Keane calls out Fernandes
The incident split opinion online given Fernandes' actions. Keane, analysing the game for Sky Sports, suggested that Fernandes was fortunate to escape punishment after speaking out in Foden's defence.
He said: “Foden gets up and reacts obviously so he's now sent off. The strange thing is, if you look at it, so Bruno catches him, gives the foul away and gives him a little kick. Foden is sent off and I'm guessing it's classed as violent conduct.
“To me, Bruno is 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 with a headbutt. Listen, we see violence, I suppose, in a different way. But I don't think that's a red card for Foden.”
Neville's view on the red card
Keane's former team-mate, Gary Neville, was less sympathetic to Foden on commentary, though he did go on to suggest that Fernandes should have been given a yellow card.
He said: “Oh dear. He's not having it Foden, VAR will have a look. It looks like Foden reacts. It's a kick into the stomach there, he's not going to get away with that.”
Neville added: “I thought it was a yellow for Fernandes, I'd of liked it not to be a red for Foden but once you kick someone in the stomach you're done.”
