Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes throws boot to the ground in anger after being denied free-kick in latest major tantrum
BRUNO FERNANDES twice threw his boot to the ground in anger as he risked a fourth red card of the season.
The Manchester United captain, 30, started in midfield for his side in the FA Cup clash away at Arsenal.
With 37 minutes on the clock, Fernandes went down under a challenge from Gabriel Jesus on the edge of the Arsenal area.
It appeared as though the Gunners striker had clipped the Portuguese playmaker’s ankles.
However, Referee Andy Madley ignored his desperate pleas for a free-kick and allowed play to continue.
But Fernandes was apoplectic with rage the decision did not go his way.
Sat down on the turf, he grabbed the loosened red boot off his left foot and hurled it angrily in the direction of Madley who carried on following the action.
Then when there was a break in play, Fernandes continued his petulant rant with the official.
But as it appeared his complaints were falling on deaf ears, he again decided to launch the boot to the floor right in front of Madley.
And the referee was having none of it, immediately brandishing the yellow card for his obvious dissent.
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Although Fernandes could have been booked for his initial reaction, too, which was arguably worse – and could have meant two bookings in quick succession.
Fans watching the game immediately took to social media to react to Fernandes’ moments of boiling frustration.
One said: “That’s why Fernandes shouldn’t be captain, he’s a petulant p****! Don’t know how the ref has missed the foul in the first place though.”
Another wrote: “Ok it’s definitely a foul on Bruno Fernandes but he took his OWN boot off and threw it TWICE – ref could’ve double yellowed him.”
A third added: “Worst captain in the league.”
A fourth commented: “It is unacceptable for a captain to be showing petulance the way he does. Throwing your boot to the ground to show your frustration at the ref. Why? Does this too often.”
And a final user typed: “Horrible piece of work he is.”
The yellow card meant Fernandes had to walk a tightrope for the remainder of the FA Cup clash to avoid a fourth red card of the season.
Fernandes saw red against Tottenham and Porto within four days.
He then picked up two yellow cards to go for an early bath against Wolves on Boxing Day.
And in doing so, Fernandes became the first United player to be sent off three times in one season for 16 years.
In 2008-09, Nemanja Vidic’s three red cards including both home and away against rivals Liverpool in the Premier League.
Ironically, it was Fernandes who expertly fired his side in front on 52 minutes with a superb finish.
But less than ten minutes later, United were reduced to ten men when Fernandes’ compatriot Diogo Dalot slid into a tackle already on a yellow card.
The full-back caught Mikel Merino and was shown a second caution to be sent for an early bath.
And just two minutes later, Gabriel equalised for Arsenal with a deflected strike.