Phil Foden's 'safety endangered' - Ex-refs chief identifies 'clear malice' from controversial footage

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Credit: Imago Sat 28 March 2026 8:05, UK Ronald Araujo should have been sent off for his reckless challenge on Phil Foden in England’s 1-1 draw against Uruguay on Friday.That is according to former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett, who has insisted that the challenge endangered the safety of the Manchester City star.The Barcelona star flew into a challenge on Foden, and despite winning the ball, made heavy contact with Foden’s lower leg.While the match may have been a friendly, the officials can still send players off if they deem the challenge to be worthy of a red card, with VAR also in operation.Below, Football Insider examines the reckless challenge on Foden with the help of Hackett. ⚽ Man City Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, tactical previews and expert breakdowns for every Manchester City fixture. VISIT THE MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Keith Hackett: Red card is a no-brainer for Phil Foden incidentWhile Foden did not have the best performance against Uruguay, he was perhaps fortunate not to be seriously injured by Araujo.In the 50th minute, the Barcelona player flew into a challenge near the halfway line, and while he did win the ball, his studs caught the attacker on the ankle at full force.Phil Foden’s stats vs UruguayMinutes 56Chances created1Shots 1Shots on target 0Successful dribbles1Touches in opposition box0Foden did not do enough against Uruguay.

Credit: FotmobHowever, referee Sven Jablonski did not see the challenge worthy of a red card, and this decision was checked and confirmed by VAR.Upon reviewing the footage, Hackett was baffled by this decision and exclusively told Football Insider that the fact that the match was a friendly should not have altered the officials’ decision-making.He said: “This really is a no-brainer for the match officials. This challenge used excessive force that endangered the safety of Phil Foden.

Not a good piece of officiating for this type of challenge should always result in a red card for the good of the game.”Where does Phil Foden’s Manchester City future lie?Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Man City could accept offers for Foden in the summer.The attacker has rarely been involved for Pep Guardiola’s side in recent weeks, and the performance for England on Friday showed just how far he had fallen.The 25-year-old is struggling to have any influence on the game, and progress is failing regarding a new contract at the Etihad. Therefore, Man City may be tempted to sell Foden if the price is right during the summer transfer window.