Bruno Fernandes Controversially sent off in Second Straight Game in Man Utd’s Draw at Porto

• Bruno Fernandes was controversially sent off for Manchester United at Porto away on Thursday night
• The United captain was accused of a high boot on Nehuen Perez as he received a second yellow card
• The Porto game was the second in five days in which Fernandes has seen red - both in controversial circumstances

Bruno Fernandes found himself at the centre of controversy once again after being sent off for the second consecutive Manchester United match.

The captain was shown a second yellow card for a high-foot challenge during United's clash against Porto.

United started strong, taking a two-goal lead thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund, both capitalising on mistakes made by Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

However, Porto responded quickly. Veteran defender Pepe scored, followed by an equalizer from Samu Omorodion, a player Chelsea pursued over the summer—all before halftime.

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Omorodion struck again in the second half to give Porto the lead. Then came the controversial moment involving Fernandes.

Bruno Fernandes controversially sent off

The United captain, once a player for Porto’s rivals Sporting, went in for a high ball against Nehuen Perez.

The Argentine went down clutching his face, and the referee handed Fernandes a second booking, leading to his dismissal.

However, replays showed that Fernandes' foot did not actually make contact with Perez's head but only grazed his arm.

Despite the setback, former United captain Harry Maguire came to the rescue in stoppage time, heading in a crucial equaliser from a corner to save Erik ten Hag's side from a complete defeat.

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The Porto match marked the second time in five days that Bruno Fernandes was sent off, both in controversial circumstances.

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Just days earlier, during a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham, Fernandes saw red for a studs-up challenge on James Maddison.

However, his dismissal was later overturned after video footage showed he had slipped into the tackle, making him eligible to face Aston Villa this Sunday.

Unfortunately, there will be no such reversal for his red card against Porto. UEFA rules state that second yellow cards can only be rescinded in cases of mistaken identity, meaning Fernandes will be suspended for Manchester United's next Europa League game against former manager Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.

Source: AFP