Fans are divided after Bruno Fernandes was handed a straight card in the first-half of Sunday’s Premier League clash between Manchester United and Spurs.
In the 42nd minute at Old Trafford, Fernandes received the first red of his United career after making contact with James Maddison‘s shin.
It was a high challenge from Fernandes and his studs were high, which was deemed serious foul play. However, the Portuguese midfielder appeared to slip on the surface.
Much to the bemusement of many on social media, referee Chris Kavanagh was quick to brandish his card.
One fan wrote: “Bruno Fernandes slipped into this challenge and was sent off. This is not a straight red card. It is a high challenge, but the slip is so clear. He should know better, but shouldn’t be sent off for this.”
Another said: “Bruno Fernandes slips then doesn’t make an awful lot of contact. I can see why the red has been given, and I guess it’s not a clear and obvious error, but I think that’s a bit harsh.”
A third commented: “Bruno actually slips there before the challenge. It looks bad in slow motion, but he actually slips which takes his motion into Maddison.”
Some, however, thought Kavanagh’s decision to dismiss Fernandes was the correct one.
One wrote: “That was poor from Bruno,” and another said: “Horrific challenge.”
Premier League Match Centre, an operational hub that provide information directly from Match Centre, the VAR Hub and PGMOL experts, released a statement on the incident.
“The referee issued a red card to Fernandes for a challenge on Maddison,” they said. “The VAR checked and confirmed the referee’s call of serious foul play.”
Thoughts on the incident? Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports Football
Topics: Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes, Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur