Liverpool gets VAR verdict after Bruno Fernandes escaped red for 'reckless' foul
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesLiverpool FCBruno Fernandes was booked for a "reckless" challenge on Dominik Szoboszlai in Manchester United's 3-2 win, with ex-referee Dermot Gallagher saying the yellow card was the correct decision17:16, 04 May 2026Updated 17:17, 04 May 2026Bruno Fernandes was fortunate to avoid a red card on Sunday(Image: Getty Images)Former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher has argued that Bruno Fernandes' robust challenge on Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai did not merit a red card.The Manchester United skipper lunged in on the Hungarian midfielder during the dying moments of Sunday's 3-2 triumph over the Reds, catching him on the ankle. Alternative replays appear to show the ball striking the Slovenian's hands as he netted United's second.READ MORE: Arne Slot error proves costly as Liverpool and Man Utd reality clear - 5 talking pointsREAD MORE: Jamie Carragher reveals long-term Liverpool 'worry' as he calls for summer transfer actionSzoboszlai was left on the ground following Fernandes' forceful intervention, while Alexis Mac Allister and Ibrahima Konate remonstrated with referee Darren England over the severity of the challenge.Nevertheless, Gallagher believed that while the tackle was "reckless," it didn't warrant a dismissal.
The difference is when someone is throwing themselves in the air and have no control of their body."Ex-Premier League frontman Jay Bothroyd shared Gallagher's view, suggesting that Szoboszlai's decision to protect the ball in the corner of his defensive third provoked the clash.He remarked: "The challenge itself is very low. That's why he's gone into his ankle.
It's a yellow card, nothing more than that. You can see he's not trying to hurt anybody, it's not aggressive."Liverpool appeared destined for a heavy loss following a sluggish opening period that saw them trail to strikes from Matheus Cunha and Sesko.Yet Szoboszlai ignited an extraordinary fightback, firing home a stunning individual effort to halve the arrears.He then turned provider after Senne Lammens' damaging mistake.