Tottenham saw some decisions go in their favour at Old Trafford in a huge clash against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
Ange Postecoglou’s side, who had won their last three competitive fixtures heading into the tie, carried some momentum into the early moments against the Red Devils.
Spurs started quickly as Micky van de Ven dispossessed Marcus Rashford and made a bursting run through the Man United defence, eventually setting up Brennan Johnson for a simple finish.
The Lilywhites took that lead and continued to impress, but were unable to extend that lead before the break.
Tottenham were handed some good fortune though, as Bruno Fernandes received a straight red card for a clumsy challenge on James Maddison.
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Why Bruno Fernandes received a red card for Man United against Tottenham
Fernandes may have felt aggrieved to receive a red card for Man United in the first half as the midfielder appeared to slip before attempting to tackle Maddison.
The contact was relatively minimal but enough for the referee to produce a straight red card for the Portuguese international.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decided against overturning the decision, sticking with the original decision on the pitch.
On social media, the Premier League’s Match Centre account confirmed the reason behind the red card with a statement.
It read: “The referee issued a red card to Fernandes for a challenge on Maddison. The VAR checked and confirmed the referee’s call of serious foul play.”
Serious foul play is defined by the FA as: “A player is guilty of serious foul play if he uses excessive force or brutality against an opponent when challenging for the ball when it is in play.
“A tackle that endangers the safety of an opponent must be sanctioned as serious foul play.”
Were Tottenham fortunate with referee decisions?
While Tottenham were thoroughly on top of Man United and were good value for their lead, the red card may have been slightly fortunate.
Jamie Redknapp certainly believed so as he said on Sky Sports: “No [it isn’t a red card], he slips as he comes in to try to win the challenge.
“It’s petty, it was a bit petulant. He sticks out his right leg. When you actually see it in slow motion, his feet go under him and he just sticks out his leg, I think it’s a yellow card.”
Either way, Spurs will firmly believe that, regardless of the red card, they were capable of tearing the home side apart at Old Trafford.
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