Premier League takes action on Chris Kavanagh following Bruno Fernandes controversy.

Referee Chris Kavanagh will continue officiating in the Premier League despite facing backlash for the controversial red card given to Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes during their match against Tottenham. Kavanagh ruled that Fernandes committed serious foul play against James Maddison just before halftime.

Fernandes later expressed his disagreement with the decision, noting that Maddison also believed the red card was unwarranted.

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher criticized Kavanagh’s decision, describing it as an “optical illusion” and stating that a yellow card would have been more appropriate.

Kavanagh is set to officiate again on Saturday as part of the VAR team for the Everton versus Newcastle match at Goodison Park, and he will return to on-field duties on Sunday for Chelsea’s game against Nottingham Forest.

Kavanagh has faced scrutiny for his decision to send Fernandes off while Manchester United was trailing 1-0. Gallagher pointed out that Kavanagh was likely misled by his assistant referee. He explained, “Many people didn’t realize the assistant had any input. The referee seemed quick to pull out the red card, but he was led to that decision incorrectly due to the angle he was shown. The assistant’s view might have suggested that Fernandes’s foot was high, but he couldn’t see the actual point of contact or the force behind the challenge.”

As United prepares for their upcoming match against Aston Villa, they will be officiated by Robert Jones, with John Brooks as the VAR official. Manager Erik ten Hag is looking for a crucial win ahead of the international break, as the team currently finds itself in the bottom half of the table, increasing the pressure on his position at Old Trafford.