Ex-refs chief: Why Bruno Fernandes avoided red card as controversial Man United footage re-analysed
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Credit: Imago / TNT Sports
Harri Burton
Sat 27 September 2025 15:45, UK
Bruno Fernandes could have been sent off during Man United’s frustrating defeat to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the club captain should be given the benefit of the doubt for his challenge on Dango Ouattara.
Fernandes missed a penalty as the Red Devils were put to the sword by Keith Andrews‘ side, with Igor Thiago bagging a brace before Mathias Jensen netted in added time to seal all three points.
It could have been even worse for the visitors, however, with Ruben Amorim already under crushing pressure at Man United and the defeat leaving them stranded in 13th in the Premier League table.
In the 55th minute, the 32-year-old picked up his second yellow card of the 2025-26 campaign, raising a high boot to Ouattara’s thigh in an attempt to win back possession.
Many supporters wanted the superstar to be sent off, something which happened twice last season, but he was able to stay on the pitch to eventually see his penalty saved by Caoimhin Kelleher.
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Benjamin Sesko has been under pressure to perform after his big-money arrival, and he managed to score his first goal for the club in the first half, but it was not enough for points on the road.
Credit: Imago
Fernandes is rarely one to rush into a challenge, with the playmaker more often than not picking up his cautions for dissent on the pitch, but Hackett was on the fence over the decision at the Gtech.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Fernandes’ challenge, the former referee said: “I’ve looked carefully at this challenge by Bruno Fernandes.
I’m satisfied… I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.
“And I’ll go with yellow on the basis that the challenge was reckless.
Tight decision, but let’s go safe with a yellow card on this one.”