Bruno Fernandes’ Red Card Overturned: Bad News for Villa?
Manchester United have successfully appealed the red card shown to Bruno Fernandes during their 3-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur. The midfielder who was sent off in the first half, will now be available for the club’s next three English Premier League fixtures, including a crucial clash against Aston Villa.
Bruno Fernandes’ Straight Red Card Against Spurs
Bruno Fernandes was initially handed a straight red card by referee Chris Kavanagh for a high challenge on Spurs midfielder James Maddison. The challenge, which occurred on a rain-soaked pitch at Old Trafford saw Fernandes catch the former Leicester man’s shin. However, replays showed that Fernandes slipped into the tackle and made contact with the side of Maddison’s boot, rather than leading with his studs.
VAR, led by Peter Bankes, supported Kavanagh’s decision during the game, which left the Red Devils playing with ten men and eventually succumbing to a 3-0 defeat. Following the match, Fernandes voiced his frustration in an interview with Sky Sports, arguing that the decision was harsh.
Red Card, Not A Good Decision Says Fernandes
“I don’t go in with the studs, I take him with my ankle, it’s a clear foul but never a red card. Even Maddison, when he gets up, said it was a foul but never a red card,” Fernandes said.
“The contact is not that strong. If he wants to give me a yellow because it’s a counter-attack, I agree, but I don’t know why VAR didn’t call the referee to the screen. For me, it’s not a good decision,” he added.
After reviewing the incident, the FA rescinded the suspension, clearing Fernandes to play in Manchester United’s upcoming Premier League matches against Aston Villa, Brentford, and West Ham. The Red Devils will travel to Villa Park and the London Stadium to face Aston Villa and West Ham and they will host the Bees at Old Trafford. Fernandes’ availability will be a huge boost for manager Erik ten Hag, who has been under pressure following the club’s inconsistent start to the season.
Fernandes’ return is especially timely as he has an impressive record against Aston Villa, scoring seven goals in ten appearances across all competitions against the Midlands club (the most he has scored against a single Premier League opponent), including two assists. The 30-year-old Portuguese international will now have the chance to extend his remarkable record against Unai Emery’s side when the two teams meet next. The former Sporting Lisbon star is also the only active midfielder with the most goals against Aston Villa.
With Erik ten Hag‘s position coming under scrutiny, Fernandes’ presence could be pivotal in turning around United’s fortunes and his performance against Aston Villa may well influence the Dutchman’s future. The midfielder, who has consistently delivered 15 or more goal contributions in each of his Premier League seasons since joining the club in 2021 will be eager to open his account this season and help propel United back to winning ways.
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