Former England captain Alan Shearer has branded Bruno Fernandes pathetic following his part in Phil Fodens red card on Sunday. Manchester United captain Fernandes was involved in the first-half fracas, initially kicking Foden before falling to the ground theatrically when the Manchester City midfielder reacted by poking both feet into the Portugueses midriff.It was hard to distinguish between the two acts of petulance but only Foden received a red card from referee Michael Oliver.Shearer told The Rest Is Football podcast: I thought the way Bruno Fernandes went down was pathetic. He helped get Foden off and, yes, hes kicked out at him a little bit but Bruno Fernandes has also kicked Phil Foden.If Phil Foden reacts in the same way as Bruno Fernandes do they both get red cards? So, for me, either both are red or neither of them are.Table of ContentsAgbonlahor brands Fernandes a cheatKeane disappointed by lack of solidarity among playersAgbonlahor brands Fernandes a cheatUnited failed to make the most of their man advantage with Erling Haalands controversial winner a goal Pro Ref later admitted should not have stood proving decisive.It was a game short of quality but high on talking points with talkSPORT presenter Gabby Agbonlahor also hitting out at Fernandes.The former Aston Villa striker said: At the end of the day, Bruno Fernandes is a cheat. Hes an outstanding player, but hes a cheat.Youve kicked Foden twice on the floor, which should have been a red card to you. Then Fodens lashed out a tiny little bit and youre rolling around when youre not hurt.A proper referee goes over and says: You two, cut it out, a yellow each, play on. Its never a red card.Thats why you get your karma. Maybe the goal that shouldve been disallowed on Haaland, is the karma you sometimes get in football for the red card to Phil Foden.Keane disappointed by lack of solidarity among playersSpeaking as one of Sky Sports pundits on Sunday, former United midfielder Roy Keane also felt Fernandes had got contributed to Fodens dismissal.The Irishman said: Bruno goes in, tackles him, clearly fouls him and gives him a little boot on the floor. Foden gets up, does react, and hes now sent off.Im guessing its classed as violent conduct, but to me Brunos the one whos violent here. I have to call it out. I dont think thats a red card for Foden, I really dont.The players are all in the PFA [Professional Footballers Association], everyones in a union youve got to try and look out for each other; you cant be rolling around. Topics Bruno Fernandes Manchester City F.C. Manchester United F.C. Phil Foden Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read ProRef acknowledge error of judgement over Haalands Manchester derby-winning goal Nicholas McGee 13th September, 2026 It was completely clear Maresca claims he knew Haaland goal was not offside Nicholas McGee 13th September, 2026 Carrick confused by VAR decision to allow Haaland goal as he defends United derby display Nicholas McGee 13th September, 2026 Manchester United 0-1 Manchester City: Marescas 10 men claim controversial derby win Nicholas McGee 13th September, 2026 WATCH: Phil Foden sees red as Manchester City reduced to 10 men against Manchester United Jon Fisher 13th September, 2026 LIVE Manchester United v Manchester City: Commentary, updates, goals and stats Jon Fisher 13th September, 2026
