Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute of the Manchester derby after kicking out at Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.
The Stockport-born Foden became the first Manchester City player to be sent off in the derby since 2006 and left his team down to 10 men at Old Trafford.
The incident came midway through an even first half of the Premier League clash.
Foden was challenged by Fernandes near the touchline and fell to the ground on top of the ball.
Fernandes kicked the bottom of Foden’s back as he attempted to get through to the ball.
Foden reacted angrily and, while lying on the ground, kicked up and out at Fernandes with both feet, appearing to catch him in the stomach.
The 26-year-old was shown a straight-red card by referee Michael Oliver and the decision was checked and then backed-up by VAR.
According to the Premier League Match Centre, referee Oliver saw a “kick out into the body of Bruno” from Foden.
The VAR official Matt Donohue then confirmed: “That looks like a clear red card to me. Looks to be a secondary movement.”
Fernandes was not punished for the role he played after initially kicking Foden while the Manchester City forward was on the ground.
It was seen as a lucky escape for the Portuguese, according to former Manchester United defender Gary Neville.
“I am surprised that Fernandes has got away without a booking,” Neville said during his commentary on Sky Sports.
It was the first red card of Foden’s Premier League career, after 228 appearances, and City’s first in this fixture since Bernardo Corradi in 2006.
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