Manchester United: Howard Webb explains VAR error for Bruno Fernandes red card as audio released

Howard Webb has admitted VAR made a mistake in not sending the referee to the screen for Bruno Fernandes’ red card against Tottenham.

The Manchester United captain was sent-off in the first-half of Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham last month for a challenge on James Maddison, as he slipped and brought down the Spurs midfielder.

That was upheld by VAR, but Fernandes avoided a suspension after the FA deemed it was a wrongful dismissal and rescinded the red card.

Audio has now been released of the VAR conversations as they assessed the sending off, with the initial decision led by the assistant referee.

“That’s awful mate, that’s a red card for me,” he said after Fernandes’ challenge. “Red card, 100%.”

VAR Peter Bankes said: “It’s a high foot.

“It’s not studs, it’s shin height. Does he rake down? It’s a deliberate act, he’s made no attempt to play the ball.”

Despite the slip and deeming that Fernandes’ studs did not make contact with Maddison, it was decided to stay with the “ref’s call”.

The United midfielder spoke after the match and said it was “never a red card”, while the Key Match Incidents panel has since deemed that VAR should have intervened rather than confirming the on-field decision.

Speaking on the latest episode of Match Officials Mic'd Up, referees' chief Webb said: “It was [a mistake]. We hear on the audio that the assistant said it was a red card offence and the referee takes that advice.

“The contact is high but Fernandes slips first. It's not an attempt on the ball but from the assistants' view it looks like studs go in - but it's a slight error.

“There's no driving the foot into the opponent, it's more of a tripping action. VAR should have sent the referee to the screen.”