Bruno Fernandes opens up on what James Maddison told him following controversial red card

Bruno Fernandes has revealed what James Maddison said to him after he was sent off during Sunday's Premier League clash between Manchester United and Spurs.

It was an afternoon to forget for United and their captain Bruno Fernandes, who was handed a straight red in the 42nd minute for 'serious foul play'.

Chris Kavanagh was quick to make his mind up and the on-field decision was not challenged by VAR official Peter Bankes.

But many felt the sending off was harsh after Fernandes slipped on the Old Trafford surface, just moments before making contact with Maddison's shin.

In fact, the Portuguese midfielder expressed his frustration at Kavanagh's decision in his post-match interview with Sky Sports.

“I don’t go in with studs... I take him with my ankle," Fernandes said. "It’s a clear foul but never a red card, that’s my feeling."

Moments later, the midfielder was asked what James Maddison said after the pair were spotted having a brief word following the challenge.

“He just said it is a foul but it’s never a red card. That’s what he said," Fernandes said.

“In the eyes of everyone, you can see that it’s never a red card. Because if this is a red card, I think we have to look at many other incidents.

“I had many incidents when I get kicked and everything and I’ve never seen something so quick coming off as a red card. I just think it’s never a red card.

“Yeah [I was shocked to see the red card]. For me it’s a foul, if he wants to give a yellow... even the contact is not that strong. If he wants to give me a yellow because it’s a counter-attack, I agree.

“I don’t understand why VAR doesn’t call the referee to the screen. For me it’s just not a really good decision. That’s all.”

"It's NEVER a red card!" ❌

Bruno Fernandes reacts to being sent off vs Tottenham! 🟥 pic.twitter.com/zAnxvIhTGE

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 29, 2024

A furious Gary Neville, who was on commentary duty for Sunday's game, was far from impressed with Fernandes' challenge and bemoaned United's performance in the first-half.

“It just sums up Manchester United in this first half, to be fair they’ve been an absolute disgrace," Neville said.

"It’s one of the worst performances I’ve seen in Erik ten Hag’s time at Manchester United and that’s saying something. It’s been really bad. And he will not be able to believe what he’s watched."

Neville added: "I’m not talking patterns of play, I’m talking application to a football match. And now, his captain sent off.

"When players react like that, it means something has gone on that we haven't seen initially. He's gone knee high Bruno Fernandes. I think he slips just before the tackle but he's not going to get away with it."