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'Do you know the rules?' - Bruno Fernandes snipes back at journalist over controversial red card in Man Utd's Europa League win at Athletic Club

<p>Fernandes did not hold back following United’s <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/man-utd-player-ratings-vs-athletic-club-bruno-fernandes-alejandro-harry-maguire-casemiro/blt3fb89687d7d01bf4" target="_blank">emphatic 3-0 victory over Athletic </a>in the first leg of the semi-final tie, engaging in a heated post-match exchange with a Spanish journalist over the sending off of Vivian. The Red Devils skipper <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/brilliant-harry-maguire-loves-new-nickname-man-utd-fans-stunning-wing-wizardry-europa-league-win-athletic-club/blt32e45f0911166afd" target="_blank">firmly corrected the journalist's interpretation of the law</a>, emphasizing that Vivian’s dismissal was correct under UEFA guidelines.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>The flashpoint arrived after a lengthy VAR check determined that Vivian had denied a goal-scoring opportunity by bringing down Hojlund without making a play for the ball. Referee Espen Eskas subsequently awarded United a penalty and showed Vivian a straight red card.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>The decision was met with criticism by the Spanish media and Athletic’s bench. While responding to the line of questioning, Fernandes asked directly: "Why wasn't it a red card? Do you know the rules?"</p><p>He added: "If he tries to tackle with his feet it's a yellow card. If he pushes him or does it with his hands, it has to be a red card."</p><p>Fernandes, who converted the 37th-minute penalty before adding a second eight minutes later, stuck the knife in further after he was pushed for comment on the contentious incident in the build-up to the spot-kick. </p>

WHAT FERNANDES SAID

<p>Despite United’s commanding performance, their Basque hosts were left fuming over what they believed to be an<a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/var-misses-obvious-alejandro-garnacho-handball-man-utd-awarded-controversial-europa-league-penalty-red-card-fans-fume-corruption-claims/bltc2d55f8fea4ae304#cs0d6f35a010177299" target="_blank"> overlooked handball in the lead-up to the penalty. </a>The players and coaching staff protested vigorously after Alejandro Garnacho was accused of handling the ball moments before Vivian’s foul on Hojlund.</p><p>Speaking after the match, Athletic's head coach Ernesto Valverde voiced his frustration: “We protested a handball by Garnacho. I think the ball hit his hand… but the referee decided it was a penalty and a red card [for Vivian]."</p><p>However, when asked about the alleged handball by Garnacho, Fernandes played down the accusations and reminded the press of a potential foul on the Argentine that went unpunished earlier.</p><p>"I didn't see it, but I think there was also a penalty on Garnacho," he added. "Talking about the referee here, I think it's a custom in Spain and Portugal, but I'm in England and my mind has changed a long time ago and I'm not going to do it. The referees are like us, they make mistakes, but I don't think he made a mistake today."</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>United’s dominant first-leg performance <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/ruben-amorim-warning-man-utd-athletic-club-first-leg-europa-league-semi-final/blt15c0b9b118ca82d5" target="_blank">gives them a commanding three-goal advantage</a> heading into the return fixture at Old Trafford on May 8. With the Europa League trophy offering a direct path to next season’s Champions League, Ruben Amorim’s men are just two wins away from ensuring top-flight European football next season.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

'Do you know the rules?' - Bruno Fernandes snipes back at journalist over controversial red card in Man Utd's Europa League win at Athletic Club | Goal.com

Bruno Fernandes hit back at a journalist over the controversial red card in Manchester United&apos;s Europa League win against Athletic Club.

&apos;Do you know the rules?&apos; - Bruno Fernandes snipes back at journalist over controversial red card in Man Utd&apos;s Europa League win at Athletic Club