Webb backs Foden’s dismissal in Manchester derby
Howard Webb, chief operating officer of refereeing body Pro Ref, backed the decision to send off Manchester City player Phil Foden for violent conduct in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford. At the same time, he said Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes should have received a yellow card for the kick that preceded Foden’s reaction.
Foden’s dismissal
The incident occurred during Manchester City’s 1-0 victory. After a foul by Fernandes, Foden struck his opponent in the upper body, and referee Michael Oliver showed him a red card. Webb agreed with the decision, noting that the blow was delivered with force and met the criteria for violent conduct.
As Sky Sports News reports, during the VAR review, the refereeing team also checked a possible penalty in another incident. After Oliver’s explanation, the video assistants confirmed his decision to send off Foden.
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Fernandes’ actions
Webb acknowledged that Fernandes kicked Foden in the back of the body before the dismissal. In his view, the movement was more an act of unsporting conduct than a violent action, so it should have been punished with a yellow card rather than a dismissal.
Webb explained that VAR cannot intervene solely to issue a yellow card. Had the referee not penalized Foden on the pitch, the video assistants could have reviewed his actions for a direct red card while also identifying Fernandes’ infringement, which warranted a caution. However, after Oliver immediately sent off the City player, that option was unavailable to VAR.
