- Phil Foden was sent off after a nasty tackle on Bruno Fernandes.
- The incident added further drama to the high-intensity Manchester Derby.
- Foden’s dismissal left Manchester City down to 10 men for the remainder of the contest.
Phil Foden was shown a straight red card during the Man Utd vs Man City clash on Sunday, September 13, after a heated incident involving Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.
The Manchester City midfielder was sent off in the 23rd minute after kicking out at Fernandes, leaving Pep Guardiola's side down to 10 men early in the Premier League clash.
The incident came during a fiercely contested opening period of the Manchester United vs Manchester City encounter, with both teams looking to establish control of the derby.
Foden's challenge on Fernandes quickly became one of the major talking points of the match as the referee opted to take strong action.
Following a VAR review, the decision to issue Foden a straight red card was confirmed. The sending-off meant City were forced to continue the majority of the match with a numerical disadvantage.
WATCH: Foden Sent Off After Incident With Fernandes
The incident unfolded in the 23rd minute when Foden and Fernandes became involved in a physical confrontation. Foden appeared to kick out at the Manchester United midfielder, prompting the referee to intervene and show the City star a straight red card.
Foden got RED card 🤯🤯! Manchester Derby, correct Decision? #MUNMCI pic.twitter.com/q4VhjxPQmg
— The Final Whistle (@Rufus_45) September 13, 2026
The decision immediately sparked reactions from both sets of players, while the referee was subsequently involved in a VAR review before the dismissal was confirmed.
With the red card standing, Foden was forced to leave the pitch and Manchester City were reduced to 10 players in the city vs united contest.
VAR Confirms Straight Red Card
The referee's initial decision was checked by VAR, with the review focusing on the nature of Foden's action towards Fernandes.
After the review, the straight red card was upheld, confirming that Foden would take no further part in the Man City vs Man United derby.
The early dismissal put City in a difficult position, with Guardiola's side having to reorganise and deal with Manchester United while playing with 10 men.
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Major Blow For Manchester City
Foden's sending-off could have a major impact on the united vs city clash, with City losing one of their key attacking players before the half-hour mark.
Manchester United, meanwhile, were handed a significant advantage with an extra man on the pitch. The Red Devils could now look to exploit the numerical advantage and put further pressure on City's defence.
The incident has already become one of the defining moments of the Man Utd vs Man City encounter, with Foden's straight red leaving City facing a difficult challenge for the remainder of the contest.