Bruno Fernandes free to play after FA overturns three-match ban
The English Football Association has overturned the straight red card issued to Bruno Fernandes in Manchester United’s 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Monday (AEST).
The United captain was sent off in the 42nd minute by referee Chris Kavanagh after a late tackle on Spurs midfielder James Maddison.
The on-field decision was not overturned by video assistant referee John Brooks, meaning the Red Devils — already a goal down — were forced to play the rest of the game with 10 men.
With the numerical advantage, Spurs scored two more goals through Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke to secure three crucial points at Old Trafford.
United confirmed the outcome of the appeal in an announcement on Tuesday.
“Bruno Fernandes will be available for Manchester United’s next three games following a successful claim of wrongful dismissal,” read a statement from the club.
“The midfielder was sent off for serious foul play during the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, 29 September.
“Fernandes was set to miss our league fixtures against Aston Villa, Brentford and West Ham but will now be available for selection following the successful appeal.”
Part of the reason the decision was overturned was because Fernandes slipped before committing the foul.
Speaking after the Spurs defeat, the Portuguese protested his innocence.
“It’s a clear foul but never a red card and that’s my feeling,” Fernandes said.
“He [Maddison] said it was a foul but never a red card. I think in the eyes of everyone you can see it’s never a red card.
“If this is a red card, we have to look at many other incidents and I see many incidents of Onana getting kicked and I never see it so quickly coming as a red card.
“It’s never a red card.”
Fernandes will be available for United’s trip to Villa Park in EPL Matchweek 7, with online bookmakers paying $2.29 for Aston Villa to defeat the Red Devils ($2.96).
