Alan Shearer slams 'pathetic' Bruno Fernandes as Erling Haaland goal branded 'karma'

Alan Shearer has described Bruno Fernandes' antics that led to Phil Foden's red card as "pathetic" after the Manchester United star went down in Sunday's derby.

It was the flashpoint of the first-half with Fernandes kicking Foden on the floor after he went down, which prompted an angry response from the Manchester City winger. The Portugal star hit the deck after feeling contact and saw his opponent sent off, escaping any punishment himself.

In the aftermath of the game, Fernandes has copped personal criticism for his role in Foden's dismissal and Shearer believes both men were worthy of the same punishment.

The Premier League great said on The Rest Is Football : “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 .

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"If Phil Foden reacts in the same way as Bruno Fernandes did then both get red cards. So, for me, either both are red or neither of them are. He’s kicked out, so he’s stupid, OK? But Bruno Fernandes has done the same thing so for me, without doubt, they both should’ve been a red card if Michael Oliver thinks Phil Foden’s is a red card.”

Being down to 10 men didn't halt City's cause however and they remain perfect after four games following their toughest assignment thus far. Erling Haaland's controversial winner ensured they kept pace with Arsenal on 12 points.

The Norwegian's strike was initially ruled out for offside, but later given by VAR. Haaland was indeed onside but Enzo Fernandez was not and made an attempt to play the ball, which was overlooked, later prompting an apology from Pro Ref.

But former Aston Villa man Gabby Agbonlahor believes the awarding of the goal was karma for Fernandes' antics.

He told talkSPORT : “At the end of the day, Bruno Fernandes is a cheat. He’s an outstanding player, but he’s a cheat. You’ve kicked Foden twice on the floor, which should have been a red card to you. Then Foden’s lashed out a tiny little bit and you’re rolling around when you’re not hurt.

“A proper referee goes over and says: ‘You two, cut it out, a yellow each, play on’. It’s never a red card. That’s why you get your karma. Maybe the goal that should’ve been disallowed on Haaland, is the karma you sometimes get in football for the red card to Phil Foden.”