Source: REUTERS/Peter Cziborra
[Saba Sports News] According to British media reports, Manchester United used the explanation from Sky Sports experts as evidence to overturn Bruno Fernandes’ red card during the match against Tottenham. Fernandes received a direct red card from referee Chris Kavanagh for a foul on James Maddison. In the evidence submitted to the regulatory committee, Manchester United provided two video clips, one of which came from a Sky Sports program featuring referee observer Dermot Gallagher, along with former players Sue Smith and Dean Ashton. Manchester United used the program’s viewpoint to support the argument that the red card decision was unfair. Gallagher believed that Kavanagh did not see the entire foul process and that it was a side view, thus it was not a red card foul. Although there were disagreements within the independent investigation committee, they concluded that it was a “clear error” by Kavanagh. The group unanimously agreed that Fernandes “did not actively or intentionally make contact with his studs,” and most believed there was clearly no malice, cruelty, or excessive use of violence. Manchester United detailed the reasons why they believed the punishment was too harsh, and ultimately the committee passed a resolution by majority vote to overturn Fernandes’ red card.