And this is not a foul? 🤯 The referee was close to the incident… 😵💫 Fans were outraged by another decision of the referee
Ruben Dias Avoids Red as Manchester Derby Sparks Outrage Among United Fans
Controversy reigned supreme during the latest Manchester Derby as Manchester City’s Ruben Dias became the center of heated debate following a contentious refereeing decision. The Portuguese defender, already booked early in the match, escaped a second yellow card after a second-half foul — a decision that has left Manchester United fans furious.
A Fiery Start Sets the Tone
Just moments into the clash, Dias earned a yellow card for a foul on Alejandro Garnacho — an aggressive opening that many felt should’ve placed him on thin ice for the rest of the match. However, in the second half, Dias tripped Manuel Ugarte in a move many believed warranted a second caution. The referee, however, kept his cards in his pocket — and that moment sparked a firestorm among United’s faithful.
Social Media Uproar and Accusations of Favoritism
Within minutes of the incident, United fans flooded social media with criticism. Many questioned whether Dias would’ve stayed on the pitch if he wore a red shirt instead of blue. Comments like “How is that not a red after a trip on Ugarte?” and “The ref clearly forgot he booked Dias in the first minute” summed up the fury circulating online.
Supporters pointed to inconsistency throughout the match — Bernardo Silva, for example, committed two fouls that could have been card-worthy but was never booked. In contrast, United’s Diogo Dalot saw yellow for a single offense, highlighting what fans perceived as an uneven application of the rules.
Refereeing Bias or Just Human Error?
For United fans, this wasn’t just about one incident. Many feel it represents a recurring pattern in big games — crucial decisions appearing to favor their rivals. “If it were a United player, VAR would’ve stepped in instantly,” one frustrated fan tweeted. The perception of bias has only added to tensions in a rivalry already known for its intensity.
Match Performance Overshadowed
While officiating grabbed headlines, United’s performance on the pitch left questions as well. Despite flashes of promise, the Red Devils couldn’t break through. Garnacho, who started with intent, faded, while Rasmus Højlund struggled to make a real impact. Calls for tactical tweaks and reinforcements grew louder as fans looked beyond just refereeing woes.
Looking Ahead with Lingering Frustration
As discussions rage on, it’s clear that this derby’s talking points go beyond the final score. The officiating decisions, especially around Dias, are now being viewed as a pivotal moment that could influence the season’s narrative.
Whether this will become a rallying point or just another bitter footnote in the rivalry remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure — United fans will not let this issue rest until they feel justice has been served. And with another derby showdown looming on the calendar, all eyes will be on whether the officiating cre
w gets it right next time.
