Phil Foden Banned Three Matches After Derby Red Card

Phil Foden is set to miss three matches after his straight red card for violent conduct in Manchester City’s 1-0 derby win over Manchester United.

The City forward was dismissed by referee Michael Oliver in the 23rd minute following an incident involving United captain Bruno Fernandes near the touchline. City played the remainder of the match with 10 men but protected their narrow lead.

Quick facts

Foden was shown a straight red card in the 23rd minute.
The dismissal followed a clash with Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes.
Manchester City won the derby 1-0 despite the numerical disadvantage.
Foden faces a three-game ban for violent conduct.
Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney offered differing views on the decision.

Fernandes appeared to knock Foden to the ground before making slight contact with a kick while the City player was down. Foden then reacted, lashing out at the United midfielder, and Oliver reached for the red card.

Roy Keane argued that Fernandes’ actions had played a major role in the outcome and said the United captain had exaggerated the contact. Keane accepted that Foden had reacted foolishly, but did not believe the offence warranted a sending-off.

“Foden gets up and reacts obviously so he’s now sent off,” Keane said. “Fernandes catches him and gives him a little kick. I guess it’s classed as violent. But Fernandes is the one who is violent here, I don’t think Foden should have a red card.”

Keane also criticised Fernandes for going to ground after the exchange, insisting players must look after both team-mates and opponents in a major fixture. He said Foden had given the officials a decision to make, but felt the United midfielder was equally guilty of poor conduct.

Gary Neville took a tougher view of Foden’s reaction, saying the City player had left himself exposed by responding in a petulant manner. Neville was nevertheless surprised that Fernandes was not punished for his part in provoking the confrontation.

Wayne Rooney was also part of the post-match debate as the incident split former players over whether the red card was justified.

What happens next: Foden’s expected three-match suspension will remove him from upcoming Premier League and cup selection, creating a significant problem for City during a key stretch of fixtures.