Lee Dixon has shared his perspective on why he thinks Bruno Fernandes escaped a second yellow card during the Liverpool versus Manchester United match.
The game, held at Old Trafford during the FA Cup quarter-final, was crucial for both teams vying for a spot in the semi-final alongside Manchester City, Coventry, and Chelsea.
Despite United taking an early lead with Scott McTominay’s goal, Jurgen Klopp’s side swiftly responded with goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah just before halftime.
Following Salah’s goal, midfielder Fernandes received a booking and was later involved in a tackle on Dominik Szoboszlai early in the second half. Despite the foul, Fernandes avoided a second yellow card.
VAR did not intervene to prompt referee John Brooks to reconsider his decision and issue Fernandes a red card. Dixon, offering co-commentary for the match, described Fernandes as “fortunate” to escape a sending off.
Observing the situation, Dixon noted the absence of Liverpool players surrounding the referee and highlighted that Fernandes’s actions, though risky, were common occurrences on the pitch.
He pointed out that such incidents are typically reviewed by VAR, indicating Fernandes’s luck in avoiding further punishment.
Dixon expressed his belief that had the incident taken place elsewhere on the field and Fernandes not already been booked, he would have received a yellow card without hesitation.
He further emphasized his point by suggesting that had a similar situation occurred on the halfway line, the referee would have issued a yellow card.
