Shearer berates ‘pathetic’ Fernandes for kicking Foden during Manchester derby

Shearer argued that Manchester United captain Fernandes was play-acting with the sole aim of getting Foden sent off.

​By Kehinde Okeowo

​British pundit and Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has slammed Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes for his actions during the Red Devils’ Premier League defeat to arch-rivals Manchester City on Sunday, saying the way he went down was “pathetic”.

​The ex-England striker made his feelings known in the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast while analysing the encounter.

​Man City, despite playing with 10 men for the majority of the match, edged the encounter at Old Trafford 1-0, thanks to Erling Haaland’s second-half goal.

​ALSO READ: Lisandro Martínez explains why he left Haaland unmarked during United’s 1-0 loss to City, labels striker’s goal ‘injustice’

​Pep Guardiola’s men were reduced to 10 men in the first half when Phil Foden was sent off by the referee for kicking Fernandes.

​Reacting to the decision, Shearer argued that Fernandes was play-acting in an attempt to get Phil Foden sent off during the fixture.

​While insisting that the Portuguese midfielder kicked the England star first, he said: “I thought the way Bruno Fernandes went down was pathetic.

​“He helped get Foden off, and yes, he’s kicked out at him a little bit, but Bruno Fernandes has also kicked Phil Foden.”