Bruno Fernandez red card appeal rejected FA agrees with match Day referee
The Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur match was marred by controversy when Bruno Fernandes was sent off on the stroke of half-time for a challenge on James Maddison.
The incident sparked a heated debate, with many questioning the referee’s decision to show the Manchester United captain a straight red card.
Former Premier League referee, Dermot Gallagher, joined the Ref Watch panel on Sky Sports to share his thoughts on the incident.
Gallagher, known for his expertise and insightful analysis, believes that the referee made the wrong decision, citing that the official’s view of the challenge was obscured.
“I don’t think the referee saw the challenge happen,” Gallagher stated. “The assistant flagged it, and he had a different view and angle. If you run it on, you see it’s the assistant’s view, and you can understand why he would relay that it’s high and off the ground because he’s caught him high.”
Gallagher went on to explain that while the assistant’s view may have been skewed, Fernandes’ challenge was not as severe as initially thought. “When you play it through, you see it’s a glancing blow, he doesn’t catch him as he thinks. I can understand the referee not seeing it, but he has to go off the assistant’s view on that.”
Gallagher also questioned the role of VAR in this incident, stating that the technology seemed to amplify the referee’s initial decision rather than providing a more accurate assessment.
“I can’t answer it because they talk about the threshold. I’m not a referee’s coach and never would be, but those headsets, the assistant has passed it on, the referee hasn’t seen it. But he’s got time, he’s blown his whistle, at that point time is the only ally.”
Gallagher’s analysis highlights the importance of proper communication between officials and technology. “I think the angle from the assistant will deceive him,” he said. “From that angle, he will say that his foot looked high, but he can’t see his point of contact. He can’t see the intensity or momentum he’s gained in that – I don’t think he has because he’s come from such a short distance and that’s why it’s not a red card.”
The incident has left Manchester United fans reeling, with many calling for an appeal against Fernandes’ suspension. As the club navigates this turbulent period, it is clear that a thorough review of officiating decisions is necessary to ensure fairness and consistency in future matches.
According to Metro, the Red Devils’ poor start to the 2024/25 season persisted at Old Trafford, where Brennan Johnson scored within the first three minutes, igniting celebrations among Tottenham’s away fans.
In the 42nd minute, Bruno Fernandes received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on James Maddison, compounding the hosts’ woes. The situation deteriorated further in the second half as Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke each netted goals, sealing the defeat for United.
As a result, United languish in 12th place in the Premier League, putting immense pressure on Erik ten Hag to secure a positive outcome in the upcoming away match against Aston Villa. Legendary former United and England midfielder Paul Scholes commented on the team’s uncertain performance during a SuperSport broadcast, stating, “You don’t know how they’re going to play. You don’t know how they’re going to approach games, whether they are going to play on the counter-attack or sit deep or whether they’re going to try to have all the possession in the game. We’ve no idea. They look like an uncoached football team.”
Scholes continued, reflecting on Tottenham’s consistency under Ange Postecoglou, saying, “We’re two and a bit years in now… from the first week Ange Postecoglou went in, we probably knew what Tottenham were doing and they’re doing it to this day. We’re two and a bit years down the road [at United] and, as I said, it’s an uncoached team. The players looked dead today, they looked flat, they looked, ‘I don’t know what to do’, there’s no enthusiasm for the game of football and that can only come from the training pitch. Some of the positions that people take up on the pitch, it’s just madness at times.”
Scholes also critiqued United’s recent player recruitment, specifically mentioning the £43 million summer signing Matthijs de Ligt, asserting that he is no better than Harry Maguire, who has started only twice in the league this season. “When you bring players in, you expect them to be a lot better than who you’ve already got. I don’t see players coming in who are a big difference,” Scholes remarked. He added, “De Ligt has come in for Maguire, let’s say, but there’s no big difference there.” When asked if De Ligt represents a £50 million improvement over Maguire, Scholes replied, “No, absolutely not.”
Scholes urged United’s players to stop making “excuses” and instead focus on delivering results before Ten Hag’s job is at risk. “These are experienced players who United have paid a lot of money for,” he stated. “We need to stop hearing excuses and get on that training pitch and find a way of playing. Find something, give us something!”
Leave a Reply