Bruno Fernandes insists challenge on James Maddison “was never a red card”

Bruno Fernandes expressed his frustration, insisting “it was never a red card” after being sent off during Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham.

The United captain bypassed Premier League protocol to share his thoughts on the controversial decision.

Spurs had taken an early lead through Brennan Johnson when Fernandes was shown a red card just before halftime.

The Portugal midfielder appeared to lose his footing while attempting to challenge James Maddison, but his right leg caught the Tottenham star high on the shin.

Referee Chris Kavanagh judged the challenge to be dangerous and issued a red card, a decision supported by VAR.

With Fernandes off the pitch, United struggled to contain Spurs, conceding twice more in the second half.

Goals from Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke sealed a miserable afternoon for the Red Devils.

Speaking after the loss, Bruno Fernandes said: [It’s] never a red card that is my view.

“I agree that it is a foul but it is never a sending off..

“The referee tried to tell me that as he saw it was a clear contact with the studs, no.

“I didn’t touch him with the studs or even the foot, it was my ankle. It is a clear foul.

“If he wants to give me a yellow because they are going to go on a counter then I agree.

“But more than that, no. It is not the case.

“Nobody wants to be sent off, it’s not a good feeling. I didn’t go with the studs, it’s never a red card.

“Even James Maddison when he gets up he said it’s not a red card.

“If this is a red card we have to look at many other incidents.

“It is a foul, there is not much contact, if he [the referee] wants to give me a yellow I agree.

“I don’t understand why VAR doesn’t call him to the screen.”

United boss Erik Ten Hag said on Fernandes’ exit: “I don’t think it’s a red card. It had a big impact on the game.”

“We tried to force it a little bit, to rush it and go too quick,” he added.

“When they have the high line we made mistakes on the ball and then we got punished and it didn’t go the way we wanted from there.

“Then the red card makes it worse.

“I have to appreciate all the effort my team-mates have done to try and return to the game but it wasn’t possible.

“They showed great effort and character and I was happy for that.”

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