Manchester United fans are counting the cost of Bruno Fernandes’ red card against Tottenham.
Bruno Fernandes‘ tremendous fitness record means he rarely gets a rest, and now he has an enforced one. But it is not in circumstances Manchester United can be happy with.
Fernandes received the first red card of his United career against Tottenham, and while it probably did not influence the result of the match, the midfielder must now face a three-game suspension.
After the game Fernandes admitted he slipped and did not foul Maddison with malice, and believed the red card on the pitch should have been downgraded.
Fernandes VAR error
Referee Chris Kavanagh awarded a red card on the pitch, and in real time, it did look like a serious foul.
But with the benefit of multiple angle replays, it was clear Fernandes’ studs did not make contact with Maddison’s leg and there was no serious foul.
Yet, the decision taken by VAR official Peter Bankes was to uphold the decision, agreeing it was ‘serious foul play’.
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Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones spoke on Match Of The Day 2 and called out VAR.
He said: “I am sure it’s not a red card. I won’t play it down. Look, he’s gone in there and our first thought straight away was red card. The initial reaction was red card, but when you slow it down, he’s caught sort of the back of his heel.
“There’s no malice, there’s no real studs. There’s no studs showing. So I can understand, in real time why the referee has given the red card, but I can’t really understand why they’ve not overturned that. It’s just, it’s not a red card.”
Former referee Mark Halsey agreed, telling The Sun: “The question to ask is why VAR Peter Bankes did not get involved, as he sees what we see.
“If VAR had recommended a review I’m sure Kavanagh would have changed his mind.”
Meanwhile former referee Dermot Gallagher called out Kavanagh for getting the decision wrong in the first place.
Premier League make Peter Bankes decision
The Premier League have now released their appointments for the upcoming weekend’s fixtures.
No negative action is being taken on VAR official Peter Bankes, despite the widespread condemnation of his decision.
Bankes has been appointed as referee for Manchester City’s game at home to Fulham in thew Premier League.
Meanwhile referee Chris Kavanagh will take charge of Chelsea’s fixture with Nottingham Forest.
In the past after mistakes, the Premier League has downgraded officials by removing them from duty or even demoted down to the Championship.
This is not the case after Bruno Fernandes’ red card, with both on full duty this coming weekend.