Bruno Fernandes red card appeal hint as Man Utd captain addresses Aston Villa ban

Latest Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive as Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes faces a suspension for Villa Park clash

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes insists his challenge on Tottenham’s James Maddison was “never a red card” as he faces a suspension against Aston Villa.

Fernandes was sent off in the first half against Spurs in a Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Sunday, with the Red Devils losing 3-0 to pile pressure on manager Erik ten Hag ahead of their trip to Villa Park on Sunday (2pm). Referee Chris Kavanagh showed a straight red card for serious foul play – a decision confirmed by VAR Peter Bankes.

As United consider whether to appeal against their skipper’s dismissal, Fernandes told Sky Sports: “Apart from slipping going in, I don’t take him as everyone wants to see it.

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“I don’t go with the studs, I take him with my ankle. It’s a clear foul but never a red card. That’s my feeling.

“Even Maddison, when he gets up, you can see in the image… he just said, ‘It’s a foul but it’s never a red card’. That’s what he said.

“I think in the eyes of everyone, you can see that is never a red card because if this is a red card I think we have to look at many other incidents.

“I had many incidents when I get kicked and everything, and I’ve never seen something so quick coming off as a red card. I just think it’s never a red card.”

Asked if he was in shock seeing the red card, Fernandes said: “Yeah, for me, it’s a foul.

“Even the contact is not even that strong. If he wants to give me a yellow because it’s a counter-attack, I agree.

“And then I don’t understand why VAR doesn’t call the referee to the screen. For me, it’s just not a really good decision. That’s all.”

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