Foden, Awoniyi, Disasi red cards explained as Premier League releases VAR verdicts - Punch Newspapers

The Premier League explained on Monday four major VAR interventions from Matchweek four, including Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden’s red card against Manchester United and Erling Haaland’s goal, which was initially ruled out for offside. Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute of Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford after his feet made contact with the stomach of Bruno Fernandes. The Premier League Match Centre said the referee’s decision to issue Foden a red card for violent conduct was checked and confirmed by VAR. “Red card Phil Foden – kick out into the body of Bruno,” the referee was quoted as saying, while the VAR added: “That looks like a clear red card to me. Looks to be a secondary movement. Confirming the red card for Manchester City No.47.” Foden’s dismissal was followed by another VAR intervention in the second half when Haaland put the visitors ahead in the 59th minute. The assistant referee initially flagged the Norway international for offside, but VAR determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal be awarded. The Premier League Match Centre also explained that Manchester City’s Fernandez, who was in an offside position, did not play the ball. The decision meant Haaland’s goal stood as City secured a 1-0 victory over their neighbours. Awoniyi red card confirmed Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi was another player whose dismissal was reviewed and upheld by VAR during Sunday’s 5-0 defeat to Brighton. Awoniyi was shown a straight red card in the 53rd minute for an elbow on Brighton defender Max De Cuyper. Awoniyi red carded in the 53rd minute of the Brighton 5-0 loss | Premier League The Match Centre said the referee’s decision was checked and confirmed by VAR. The assistant referee said Awoniyi “caught him in the face with his elbow”, before the referee confirmed the final decision as a red card for violent conduct. Tottenham coach De Zerbi rules Richarlison out of Liverpool clash Iheanacho scores ninth league goal in seventh straight game Shearer defends Awoniyi after Brighton red The VAR subsequently said: “There’s a movement. Confirming the on-field decision of red card for violent conduct.” Disasi red card also upheld Crystal Palace defender Axel Disasi was also sent off during his side’s 3-2 defeat to Ipswich Town. Disasi was shown a straight red card in the 34th minute after his boot made contact high on the shin of Ipswich forward Jack Clarke. The Match Centre said the referee’s decision to send off Disasi for serious foul play was checked and confirmed by VAR. Disasi’s foul that fetched him a red card | Premier League “I’m going red card, the contact is high,” referee Chris Kavanagh said. The VAR agreed with the decision, saying: “For me he catches him with studs, and it’s high on the shin. Confirming the decision of red card for Crystal Palace No 5. Exactly as described on-field.” The Premier League also explained two penalty decisions from Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Sunderland on Saturday. Sunderland were awarded a penalty in the 54th minute after Arsenal defender Ezri Konsa pulled Dan Ballard’s shirt inside the area. The decision was checked and confirmed by VAR. Arsenal were subsequently awarded a penalty in stoppage time after Bukayo Saka was challenged by Sunderland defender Reinildo Mandava. The referee also showed Mandava a second yellow card, and VAR confirmed both the penalty and the dismissal. Tosin Oyediran Tosin Oyediran is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of professional experience in reporting and storytelling. He is known for conducting incisive interviews and producing compelling human-angle stories that bring clarity and depth to the news. Tosin covers a broad range of beats including politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment, with a strong focus on people-centred reporting. His work reflects firsthand newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a commitment to accurate, engaging, and trustworthy journalism.

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