The Football Association have overturned the three-match ban handed out to Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes after accepting the Red Devils' appeal of wrongful dismissal.
Bruno Fernandes was given his matching orders for a foul in United’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend after catching James Maddison high on the knee and would have faced a three-match suspension from the FA for foul play.
However, following replays from the incident which indicated that the contact was minimal and Fernandes’ challenge meant no harm, the club has successfully argued that the decision to send him off was wrong and Fernandes will now be available for his side’s forthcoming Premier League fixtures against Aston Villa, Brentford and West Ham.Â
Erik ten Hag’s side were 1-0 down when Fernandes was sent off and proceeded to lose 3-0, their third league defeat of the campaign.
The incident came in the 42nd minute at Old Trafford with Fernandes slipping and sticking out a leg to catch Maddison halfway up his shin as he went past him.
“Never a red card – that is my view,” Fernandes told BBC Match of the Day after the game. “I agree that it is a foul.”
“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.”
United were unhappy with VAR’s decision not to overrule Fernandes’ dismissal and took their appeal to the FA, who have now confirmed the midfielder’s ban has been lifted.
“Bruno Fernandes will be available for Manchester United’s next three games following a successful claim of wrongful dismissal,” a club statement read.
“The midfielder was sent off for serious foul play during the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, 29 September.”
“Fernandes was set to miss our league fixtures against Aston Villa, Brentford and West Ham but will now be available for selection following the successful appeal.”
