"You're doing it because it's me" - Bruno Fernandes' reaction to sending off in Manchester United's loss to Tottenham surfaces
Manchester United fans have spotted Bruno Fernandes' reaction to being sent off against Tottenham. The Portuguese star was not happy with the decision and told the referee that they were basing the decision on who he was, not the tackle.
In a video released by Sky Sports, the Manchester United captain was heard saying, "You are doing because it is me," to the referee after he was sent off. The decision was initiated by the linesman who told the referee:
"That's awful mate, that's a red card for me. Red card, 100 per cent."
Peter Bankes was on VAR, and he agreed with the decision. He questioned if there was enough contact but said:
"It's a high foot. It's not studs. It's shin height. Does he rake down? It's a deliberate ace. He's made no attempt to play the ball."
The VAR decided to stay with the referee's call and send the Portuguese star making his way off the pitch. However, Howard Webb has now admitted that VAR should have reversed the decision. The head of referees said:
"It was [a mistake]. We hear on the audio that the assistant said it was a red card offence and the referee takes that advice," Webb said. "The contact is high but Fernandes slips first."
"It's not an attempt on the ball but from the assistants' view it looks like studs go in - but it's a slight error. There's no driving the foot into the opponent, it's more of a tripping action. VAR should have sent the referee to the screen."
The decision was overturned after Manchester United appealed. Bruno Fernandes' three-match ban was rescinded, and he was available for the match against Aston Villa last week, which finished 0-0.
Former Premier League referee did not agree with Bruno Fernandes' red card in Manchester United vs. Tottenham
Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey was talking to The Sun earlier this month and admitted that the Bruno Fernandes red card should have been overturned by VAR. He claimed that the Manchester United captain did not make enough contact with James Maddison and said:
“In real-time, Bruno Fernandes’ first-half challenge on James Maddison looked a poor one. And based on an immediate viewing, it seemed ref Chris Kavanagh’s decision to show a red card was the correct one."
"But replays clearly showed he slipped, and his foot did not make contact as high on Maddison’s leg as it first seemed. Looking back at the footage, you would have to say it was reckless rather than a case of serious foul play. There should be no criticism of Kavanagh as he only gets one view of it.”
Manchester United could not get the win over Aston Villa despite having Bruno Fernandes in the starting XI. The Red Devils had to settle for a draw and are currently 14th in the table.