‘That’s awful mate’- VAR audio of Bruno Fernandes red card released as ex-referee Howard Webb explains where officials made ‘slight error

According to Howard Webb, Bruno Fernandes’ red card for Manchester United against Tottenham ought to have been overturned by VAR.

Fernandes Red’s VAR audio was made public.
Spurs defeated Man Utd 3-0, and a three-match ban was later overturned.

Consequently, what happened?

During the match at Old Trafford last month, Fernandes kicked Tottenham’s James Maddison, striking the England midfielder in the shin. The playmaker was given a straight red card for the incident. Referee Chris Kavanagh and VAR Peter Bankes, who refrained from intervening to overturn the on-pitch ruling, determined that the challenge constituted significant foul play.

THE LARGER IMAGE

Fernandes’ red card and the ensuing three-match suspension were successfully appealed by Manchester United. PGMOL chief Howard Webb and Michael Owen discussed the controversial incident, which occurred while the Red Devils trailed Spurs 1-0 in their eventual 3-0 defeat, as the main topic of discussion on the most recent edition of Match Officials Mic’d Up. They discussed the Portuguese’s dismissal and the decisions made by Bankes and Kavanagh. Former Premier League referee Webb feels that Kavanagh should have been summoned to the monitor by the VAR to overturn his decision.

THOUGHS OF THE VAR

First to react was an assistant referee, who said, “That’s awful, mate, that’s a red card for me.” Red card, all the way.”

Then Bankes states: “That is a tall foot. It’s not the studs. It’s shin deep. Does he pull a rake? It’s an intentional ace. He hasn’t tried to play ball at all.”

The assistant VAR then notes Fernandes’ error but also mentions the Portugal star’s subsequent action that results in Maddison’s contract. “There is a slip but then there’s an action which makes contact with the shin,” he continues.

The decision to continue with the on-pitch call is finally confirmed by the VAR.

THOUGH SAID BY HOWARD WEBB

“It was an error. According to the audio, the assistant indicated that it was a red card offense, and the referee followed that recommendation, according to Webb. “Despite the strong contact, Fernandes trips up first. Although it’s not a ball attempt, the assistants believe that studs are in, yet there is a small mistake. It’s more of a tripping motion than a slamming the foot into the opponent. The referee ought to have been sent to the screen by VAR.”

Howard Webb believes VAR should have overturned Bruno Fernandes' red card vs Tottenham 🔊👀 pic.twitter.com/G4m8hk6Pgd

— Sky Sports (@SkySports) October 9, 2024

MAN UTD: WHAT COMES NEXT?
In response, Fernandes insisted that it was “never a red card” and was later made available for United’s encounter with Aston Villa. The game ended in a 0-0 draw, thus keeping Erik ten Hag on the team – at least for the time being. On October 19, the Red Devils play their first game following the international break at home against Brentford.