Manchester United have successfully appealed the red card given to Bruno Fernandes during Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.
The Football Association (FA) has upheld United’s claim of “wrongful dismissal,” lifting Fernandes’ three-game suspension on Tuesday, October 1st.
What happened?
The 30-year-old Portuguese star Bruno Fernandes was sent off for serious foul play after tripping James Maddison with a knee-high tackle three minutes before half-time.
The Portuguese midfielder appeared to slip as he closed Maddison down before throwing out a leg and catching the Spurs midfielder.
However, referee Chris Kavanagh showed the 30-year-old Fernandes a straight red card, and the decision was supported by VAR John Brooks.
Bruno Fernandes Insists His Tackle Wasn’t Worthy Of Red Card
Bruno Fernandes maintained that he fouled the Tottenham player but the tackle was not worthy of a red card and further claimed Maddison himself said it wasn’t a sending-off.
Fernandes told BBC Sport after the game:”I agree it’s a foul, but never a red card.”
“The referee tried to tell me it was clear contact with the studs, but I didn’t touch him with the studs or even my foot, it was my ankle.”
According to the Football Association (FA) Handbook, a player will be deemed to have committed serious foul play if they use excessive force or brutality when challenging an opponent for the ball during play, or if a tackle poses a danger to the safety of an opponent.
The handbook states, “Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, side, or behind using one or both legs, with excessive force and endangering the safety of an opponent, is guilty of serious foul play.”
However, in Bruno’s case, it has been confirmed that it was a subtle tackle following referee Chris Kavanagh’s call of serious foul play which carries a three-match suspension.
The FA confirmed in a statement on Tuesday, October 1st that Fernandes‘ claim of wrongful dismissal was successful.
An FA statement issued on Tuesday read: “Bruno Fernandes will be available for Manchester United’s next three games following a successful claim of wrongful dismissal.”
Manchester United’s successful appeal means Fernandes is now available for United’s upcoming Premier League games against Aston Villa, Brentford, and West Ham United.
Impact of Bruno Fernandes Availability on Manchester United’s Season
Manchester United horrible defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford leaves the Red Devils 11th in the table with seven points from their opening six games.
Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes’ availability will provide a significant boost to the team as they seek to improve their standings.
With Fernandes back in the lineup, Erik Ten Hag‘s team will aim to bounce back from their disappointing loss and climb the Premier League table.
What’s next for Manchester United and Bruno Fernandes?
Following the successful appeal that rules out Bruno Fernandes’ three-match suspension, the Portuguese will now be available for Manchester United’s next fixtures in the Premier League.
The Red Devils will be in European League action against Porto on Thursday, October 3 before they face Aston Villa and Brentford in the Premier League on October 6 and 19 respectively.
Afterward, the Red Devils will play Fernabahce in the Europa League before they their third Premier League match that Fernandes would have missed against West Ham United on October 27.
What’s your take on Bruno Fernandes’ red card decision and his successful appeal that overruled his three-match ban? Please, share your thoughts with us in the comments box below:
