Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has strongly criticized Manchester City’s Phil Foden for a taunting gesture directed at United fans following the recent derby match at Old Trafford. Despite being sent off during the game, Foden reportedly approached supporters outside the stadium and held up his fingers to signify the 1-0 scoreline, a move Keane deemed inappropriate.
Foden’s Red Card and Post-Match Gesture
The incident occurred during the Manchester derby, where Phil Foden was shown a red card in the first half. The dismissal came after Foden reacted to a kick from Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes by pushing his legs back into the United captain. Although Foden was sent off, Manchester City ultimately secured a 1-0 victory thanks to an Erling Haaland goal. Controversially, the VAR system did not intervene to disallow the goal, a decision that drew significant criticism.
Following the match, as Foden was leaving the stadium, he was observed making a gesture to Manchester United fans, holding up his fingers to indicate the 1-0 score. This action has drawn sharp rebuke from Roy Keane.
Keane’s Scathing Reaction on Podcast
Speaking on the “Stick to Football” podcast, Roy Keane expressed his strong disapproval of Foden’s behavior. “Can I make a point on Foden?” Keane began, before detailing the incident. “He gets sent off at the weekend and gets left out of the England squad. He loves a YouTube video kicking it against a wall, he wants to learn to head the ball and might have scored a couple against Palace… Anyway, did you see him the other day walking onto the bus (after the game). He’s holding his fingers up showing 1-0 to the United fans.”
Keane emphasized his view that Foden should have focused on leaving the stadium discreetly after his red card. “You’ve just been sent off, what are you doing? Get on the bus,” he stated emphatically.
Defenders Emerge, Keane Remains Unconvinced
Jill Scott, also a guest on the podcast, offered a defense of Foden’s actions, suggesting that the player was reacting to provocation and that his gesture was understandable given the circumstances. “But he’s getting s*** isn’t he? You do react,” Scott commented. She also noted Foden’s strong affiliation with Manchester City, suggesting his behavior might stem from a fan’s perspective. “You do react and he is a big City fan. I think he’s being a fan as he’s walking through there.”
However, Keane remained resolute in his criticism, dismissing the justifications. He maintained that regardless of external factors, a player sent off should maintain a more professional demeanor.
Debate Over the Red Card Incident
The initial red card incident involving Foden and Fernandes has also been a subject of considerable debate among football pundits. Keane himself, along with others, argued that Bruno Fernandes’ actions were more deserving of a red card than Foden’s reaction.
Keane elaborated on his perspective: “He (Fernandes) goes and tackles him, gives him a little boot on the floor, he does react obviously. The strange thing is… I’m guessing it’s classed as violent. To me, Bruno is the one who is violent. I don’t think that’s a red card. Did the player give the referee a chance? Foden is daft, but so is Bruno. If Bruno got sent off we would be saying he is daft. Bruno has to do better there. Foden, I don’t think it’s a red card.”
Alan Shearer, speaking on “The Rest Is Football” program, echoed similar sentiments. “I thought the way Bruno Fernandes went down was pathetic,” Shearer said. “He helped get Foden off and, yes, he’s kicked out at him a little bit but Bruno Fernandes has also kicked Phil Foden. If Phil Foden reacts in the same way as Bruno Fernandes did then both get red cards. So, for me, either both are red or neither of them are.”
Micah Richards, a former Manchester City defender, added his analysis, suggesting that Foden’s reaction was not one of significant pain. “Foden didn’t react (in pain). If he reacted at the second kick… if Foden starts screaming, the decision is reversed,” Richards explained. “As a referee, it looks worse than it is. I don’t agree with the reaction from Foden, but Fernandes started it.”
Consequences for Foden and VAR Officials
Phil Foden will now serve a three-match suspension as a result of his red card, ruling him out of upcoming fixtures against Norwich City, Sunderland, and Liverpool. Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding Erling Haaland’s disallowed goal has led to repercussions for the video assistant referees involved. Reports indicate that the two VAR officials have been barred from officiating Manchester United games for the foreseeable future, following an apology issued by Pro Ref regarding the officiating errors.
Conclusion
Roy Keane’s outspoken criticism highlights a perceived lack of professionalism from Phil Foden following his red card in the Manchester derby. While Foden’s gesture has been defended by some as a reaction to provocation and a display of fan passion, Keane and others believe the player should have departed the stadium with more decorum. The debate also continues regarding the referee’s decision to send off Foden while only cautioning Fernandes, adding another layer of controversy to the high-stakes encounter.
