EPL: Michael Owen reacts to Phil Foden’s red card in Man United vs Man City
Former Manchester United forward Michael Owen criticized referee Mark Oliver following a contentious red card issued to Manchester City striker Phil Foden during the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Foden received a straight red card for a retaliatory kick against Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, who had initially struck him. Owen, who is also recognized for his time at Liverpool, expressed his belief during coverage on Premier League Productions that the decision was excessive given the significance of the match.
“It’s one of those red cards that just doesn’t sit nicely,” Owen said. “It’s such a big game. There’s so much on it. People are going to take advantage of any little bit that they can get, and that’s what Manchester United fans and the players have done here.”
He further questioned the decision not to issue Fernandes a yellow card for his initial contact with Foden, stating, “How come there’s no yellow for Bruno? He intentionally kicks Foden, and I think you should get a yellow card for that.”
Owen added, “Some people might say, one intentional kick and then another intentional kick—what’s the difference?”
At the time of this report, the match was still scoreless between the two Manchester rivals.
