Pro Ref chief Howard Webb has backed the decision to send off Phil Foden in the Manchester derby but revealed VAR could not intervene to caution Bruno Fernandes for the "petulant" kick that sparked the altercation. Foden was sent off for violent conduct in Man City's 1-0 win at Old Trafford after kicking out at Fernandes after he was fouled by the Man Utd captain. Fernandes escaped punishment after seemingly initiating the incident with a kick on Foden before the City forward reacted.
However, there appeared to be confusion during the VAR review of the incident as the officiating team checked for a possible Man Utd penalty after Enzo Fernandez's challenge on Youri Tielemans. While referee Michael Oliver was brandishing the red card for Foden, VAR official Matt Donohue can be heard discussing the penalty while also saying: "Who has been sent off and for what?" shortly after. Donohue is then alerted by his assistants to analyse Fernandes' kick on Foden, which initiated the melee between the two players.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Referee: No, no. The ball, in my opinion, is played by Enzo Fernandez. VAR: Checking possible penalty.
One more angle to prove he's definitely played the ball. It looks like he's played the ball. Phil Foden then kicks out at Bruno Fernandes after being caught by the Man Utd captain and is sent off shortly after.
Assistant VAR: Possible kick-out as well. VAR: Confirm here you think that Enzo has definitely played the ball and that this is no penalty. Assistant VAR: Possible violent conduct.
VAR: Okay and then he's gone red card. So, I would say no penalty there, he definitely plays the ball, yeah? Okay and now we need to look at the rest, okay?
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