Premier League release statement confirming why Phil Foden was given red card against Man Utd

The Premier League Match Centre has released a statement confirming why Phil Foden was sent off in the Manchester derby following a first-half incident involving Bruno Fernandes.

Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute of Sunday's game at Old Trafford after kicking out at Fernandes, but the build-up to the moment has sparked plenty of debate.

As seen in the footage below, Foden fell to the ground on top of the ball after being challenged by Fernandes, who then made contact with the City midfielder as he attempted to kick the ball away.

READ MORE: Bruno Fernandes has bizarre boot ritual that could explain why he is so good for Man Utd

Fernandes appeared to catch the bottom of his back and in turn, a visibly frustrated Foden lashed out as he lay on the ground. In fact, he kicked out at Fernandes with both feet.

Moments later, the United captain went down clutching his stomach and, after witnessing a so-called “kick out into the body of Bruno” from Foden, referee Michael Oliver brandished a straight red card.

The decision was checked and VAR confirmed that Foden would become the first City player to be sent off in the derby since 2006.

A short time after the incident, the Premier League Match Centre issued a statement on the matter. It read: "The referee’s call of red card to Foden for violent conduct was checked and confirmed by VAR."

It would go on to quote comments made by Oliver and VAR official Matt Donohue, who say it looked to be a "secondary movement".

Oliver said: “Red card Phil Foden – kick out into the body of Bruno”. Donohue also commented: “That looks like a clear red card to me. Looks to be a secondary movement. Confirming the red card for Manchester City No.47."

Roy Keane gives his take on the Phil Foden incident

Foden's red card has become a divisive topic. Speaking in their first-half analysis of the match, Roy Keane and Micah Richards agreed that it shouldn't have been a sending off.

"To me, Bruno is the one being violent here," said Keane. "I have to call it out. I called Kyle Walker out a few years ago when he went down after a headbutt. I don't think that's a red card for Foden."