Did anyone ever say that red cards in football come like London buses? Bruno Fernandes must certainly be thinking so, although the Portuguese international who currently resides in Manchester does not know much about the infamy of the big red bus.
Before Manchester United faced Tottenham two Sundays ago, Fernandes had played more than 600 times for club and country in a career that has so far seen Novara, Udine, Genoa, Lisbon and Manchester. He had never received a straight red card.
It’s a statistic that may have surprised some given Fernandes’ short-tempered temper, and even the red card he received for a lunge at James Maddison was overturned by the FA. However, having been sent off just twice in his career before his dismissal against Spurs, Fernandes was given his marching orders for the second time in four days during the Europa League clash with Porto
And this time, there will be no compensation.
Bruno Fernandes is out! 🟥
The Man United captain receives a second yellow for dangerous play 😬
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/0Y9fkgrgTZ
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 3, 2024
For the third time in his career, Fernandes was sent off after receiving two yellow cards.
The United captain was booked in the 32nd minute for a high boot and sent off with less than ten minutes remaining for a similar offence. Fernandes tried to get in touch with Alejandro Garnacho’s cross but his boot lifted when Nehuen Pérez headed in.
While the Man Utd The man failed to make contact with the Porto defender, who clutched his face in mock agony, German referee Tobias Stieler deeming the action dangerous enough to hand Fernandes his second booking.
Man Utd’s successful appeal of Fernandes’ red card against Tottenham meant he was available Sunday’s stalemate at Aston Villa.
However, United will not be given the chance to appeal the Portugal international’s Europa League suspension as Fernandes received two yellow cards instead of a straight red. UEFA rules state that clubs cannot appeal against red cards obtained through two yellow cards.
Fernandes is suspended for just one Europa League fixed, but it’s a big one.
Man Utd’s number eight will be absent for the Red Devils’ daunting trip to Istanbul on October 24 when they take on Jose Mourinho-coached Fenerbahce. We are talking about a contest loaded with narratives.
Although Fernandes will miss this game, he could return when Man Utd face Greek side PAOK at Old Trafford on November 7.
