Bruno Fernandes refuses to follow little-known Premier League policy after Man Utd red card

Bruno Fernandes has spoken out about his controversial dismissal during Manchester United's 3-0 defeat to Tottenham, insisting "it was never a red card". The Portuguese midfielder was sent off after a challenge on James Maddison, which saw him catch the Spurs player high on the shin.

Despite VAR backing up referee Chris Kavanagh's decision, Fernandes disagreed, stating: "[It's] never a red card that is my view. I agree that it is a foul but it is never a sending off.. The referee tried to tell me that as he saw it was a clear contact with the studs, no. I didn't touch him with the studs or even the foot, it was my ankle. It is a clear foul.

"If he wants to give me a yellow because they are going to go on a counter then I agree. But more than that, no. It is not the case.

"Nobody wants to be sent off, it's not a good feeling. I didn't go with the studs, it's never a red card. Even James Maddison when he gets up he said it's not a red card.

"If this is a red card we have to look at many other incidents. It is a foul, there is not much contact, if he [the referee] wants to give me a yellow I agree. I don't understand why VAR doesn't call him to the screen.

"I just wanted to come and talk [do the interview] and be myself because my team-mates deserve that for what they have done in the game playing with one man less. Particularly as I was the man sent off, the one that let them down. "The team showed a lot of character, a lot of resilience, a lot of fight. They tried. It wasn't easy."

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag shared Fernandes' sentiment, stating: "I don't think it's a red card. It had a big impact on the game."

Reflecting on the match, Fernandes acknowledged that his team "struggled" but was pleased with the character they displayed. "We tried to force it a little bit, to rush it and go too quick. When they have the high line we made mistakes on the ball and then we got punished and it didn't go the way we wanted from there.

"Then the red card makes it worse. I have to appreciate all the effort my team-mates have done to try and return to the game but it wasn't possible. They showed great effort and character and I was happy for that."