Maresca: Bruno should have been sent off together with Foden
By Luke Oluoch, September 14, 2026Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has weighed in on the decision to send off Phil Foden during the Manchester Derby clash on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Old Trafford.
The 199th meeting between the two cross-town rivals ended in a 1-0 advantage to the visiting team despite being reduced to ten men after just 22 minutes following the dismissal of the English winger.
Foden was handed his marching orders for violent conduct after he kicked Bruno Fernandes in the stomach. The City winger appeared to lash out in retaliation after going to ground while contesting a ball inside Manchester City’s half.
“I think Phil Foden’s red card is a red card, but I also think that in the same action it’s a red card for Bruno Fernandes,” Maresca told Sky Sports after the game.
Retaliation
The Italian, while agreeing with the decision to dismiss the player for retaliation, insisted that the same punishment should have been extended to Bruno.
“I reviewed the action immediately after the red card on the bench. And it is a clear red card for Phil, because it is a reaction.
Red card for Bruno
“But you can also see in the same action Bruno’s intention. So for me, yes, it’s a red card for Phil, but it’s also a red card for Bruno,” he said.
The red card proved just a part of the controversial moments of the game as 10-man Manchester City claimed the derby bragging rights against arch-rivals Manchester United.
City drops to second
Erling Haaland’s 62nd-minute match-winner also added to the controversy as his goal, initially flagged for offside, was awarded following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check.
The Citizens held on with a man less to extend their winning start to the Premier League with four wins in as many games, taking them to second place behind Arsenal on goal difference.
Both the former champions and reigning champions, Arsenal, have claimed 12 points.