Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has criticised Bruno Fernandes over his role in a heated incident involving Phil Foden, arguing that the Manchester United captain made too much of the situation.
Carragher believes Foden should have received a yellow card for his challenge but questioned the decision to send him off.
According to the former England international, Foden’s foot was already high when it made contact with Fernandes and there was no clear indication that he deliberately kicked out at the midfielder.
Carragher, however, believes Fernandes was more responsible for the incident after fouling Foden and then reacting dramatically when the City player made contact with him.
“Bruno’s fouled him, that’s football, he’s then kicked him when he’s on the floor, then he’s rolled around, he’s hardly been touched and he’s rolling round to get somebody sent off,” Carragher said.
He added that Foden should not have reacted but felt referee Michael Oliver was too quick to show the red card.
Carragher also questioned whether Oliver had a clear view of Foden’s foot when making the decision, particularly because Fernandes’ position appeared to block the referee’s line of sight.
“I do think Michael Oliver was far too quick to get the red card out,” he said.
Carragher believes too much attention has been placed on Foden while Fernandes’ actions have received less scrutiny.
He argued that players should be held accountable when they exaggerate contact in an attempt to get opponents sent off.
“There’s too much focus on Foden. It should be Bruno!” Carragher said.
He further warned that such behaviour could encourage players to exaggerate incidents because getting an opponent sent off can give their team a greater chance of winning.
