Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes insists his challenge on Tottenham’s James Maddison was “never a red card” as he prepares to serve a ban against Aston Villa.
Fernandes was sent off in the first half of a Premier League match against Spurs at Old Trafford on Sunday, and the Red Devils lost 3-0, putting pressure on manager Erik ten Hag ahead of their trip to Villa Park on Sunday (2pm). Referee Chris Kavanagh issued a straight red card for significant foul play, as verified by VAR Peter Bankes.
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As United consider an appeal against their captain’s dismissal, Fernandes told Sky Sports: “Apart from sliding in, I don’t take him as everyone wants to see him.
“I don’t use studs; instead, I use my ankle. It’s an obvious foul, but no red card. That’s how I feel.
“As seen in the image, Maddison simply stated, ‘It’s a foul, but it’s never a red card.'” That is what he said.
“I believe that in everyone’s eyes, that is never a red card because if it is, we should look at many other incidents.
“I’ve had a lot of incidences where I’ve been kicked and everything, and I’ve never seen something as swift as a red card. I just believe it’s never a red card.”
When asked if he was surprised to see the red card, Fernandes responded: “Yeah, for me, it’s a foul.
“Even the contact is not particularly strong. If he wants to give me a yellow for a counter-attack, I agree.
“Then I don’t see why VAR doesn’t bring the referee on the screen. For me, it’s simply not a good idea. “That is all.”
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