Gary Neville has said he disagrees with a particular action Bruno Fernandes took during Manchester United’s 1‑0 defeat to Manchester City, igniting a heated post‑match debate with Roy Keane.
The intense Manchester derby was overshadowed by Phil Foden’s first‑half dismissal, after the Manchester City midfielder kicked out at Fernandes.
Fernandes appeared to exaggerate the contact following Foden’s reaction, turning the incident into a major talking point during the Sky Sports post‑match analysis.
Gary Neville and Roy Keane Clash Over Bruno Fernandes’ Conduct
Neville argued that players frequently try to capitalise on incidents inside the penalty area and may attempt to provoke punishments for opponents.
“We can sit here all day long and debate this. I played in a dressing room for 15 or 20 years, and Roy might not agree with this, but we said ‘if you’re kicked in the box go down and win a penalty, if someone taps you take it’…
“You do try and get players sent off. I know that’s not right, but it’s what happens in the game. It’s never going to change. I don’t like it.”
Keane immediately disagreed, insisting there is a crucial difference between trying to win a decision and deliberately seeking an opponent’s dismissal.
“I don’t think we tried to get players sent off, I don’t agree with that. We would try and win decisions, but we wouldn’t dream of trying to get a player sent off.”
The exchange underscored the broader debate over gamesmanship and whether exploiting incidents to influence referees should be tolerated in high‑stakes matches.
“You do try and get players sent off” ?
Gary Neville says Bruno Fernandes’ reaction to Phil Foden’s kick out is part of the game, although he doesn’t agree with it pic.twitter.com/85OYFlT380
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 13, 2026
Bruno Fernandes Escapes Punishment Amid Foden Dismissal
Keane also criticised why Fernandes was not sanctioned despite his involvement in the confrontation.
The United captain had initially swiped at Foden while the City midfielder was on the ground, before Foden retaliated with a kick.
Foden received a straight red card, while Fernandes was shown no card by referee Michael Oliver.
The disparity heightened frustration, especially given Fernandes’ role in the sequence that led to Foden’s dismissal.
Haaland’s Goal Adds to Derby Refereeing Controversy
The officiating controversies did not end with Foden’s red card.
Erling Haaland’s 60th‑minute winner was initially ruled out before VAR intervened, allowing the goal to stand to widespread surprise.
However, Pro Ref later admitted VAR made an error and should have suggested an on‑field review, as an offside midfielder Fernández clearly influenced the play before Haaland’s strike, adding further controversy to United’s defeat.
The incident became another focal point in a derby where several pivotal decisions shaped the result.
With Foden sent off and Haaland’s goal upheld after VAR review, the refereeing decisions became almost as noteworthy as Manchester City’s victory at Old Trafford.