Exclusive: Ex-PGMOL chief considers Bruno Fernandes sanction after Everton bust up
Keith Hackett has reacted to a heated incident involving Man United captain Bruno Fernandes at half time of the dramatic draw with Everton.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA insider exclusively told Football Insider that the Portuguese is the sort of combustable character that could get into an altercation “with his own shadow” and therefore Toffees legend Derek Mountfield was “unwise” to set him off.
There was plenty of controversy during that clash at Goodison Park on Saturday (22 February), not least when Everton were denied the chance to score a late winner from the penalty spot.
Man United captain Fernandes was heavily involved in events during that game, and not just while the game was ongoing for the 90 minutes.
Man United captain clashes with Everton legend at half-time
It has been claimed that Fernandes was involved in a bust-up with former Everton centre-back Mountfield at half time in the match.
Mountfield was returning to the Toffees to be inducted as a club legend, part of which saw him and other ex-players introduced onto the pitch at half time.
At the point, the 62-year-old is said to have mimed elbowing some of the Man United players as they headed back to the dressing for the break, while they were trailing 2-0.
Fernandes apparently took issue with that, leading to a clash between the pair that saw words exchanged.
Now, Hackett has given his verdict on whether that incident could lead to any action being taken over the half-time spat, as well as an insight on refereeing the Portuguese international.
Keith Hackett reacts to Bruno Fernandes vs Derek Mountfield
Speaking to Football Insider about whether anything will be done about that incident between Fernandes and Mountfield, the former referee said:
“I think one of the things that’s so important is that both players and managers, when they come off at half time and full time, they’re charged with adrenaline.
“So it was unwise of Derek Mountfield to make that visual view towards the opponent, and it should have been avoided. I think it’s that is a spat, so it is unlikely that any further action will be taken.
| Bruno Fernandes for Man United vs Everton | Total (as per SofaScore) |
| Goals | 1 |
| Shots on Target | 2 |
| Shots off Target | 0 |
| Successful Passes | 65/81 |
| Successful Duels | 8/12 |
| Successful Dribbles | 3/6 |
“So from my perspective I hope that this spat, somebody will just have had a quiet word. But it’s true that when you look at the Man United captain, I think he would spark even with his own shadow.
“I think he’s that type of character, he gets charged up, and when you’re refereeing those type of characters it’s interesting, because what you want is someone that’s pretty calm in the captain’s role when you’re refereeing.
“Because he is the conduit to actually try to calm other players when they’re going a bit awry… I’m not so sure referees can do that with Fernandes.”
Fernandes helped inspire a second-half comeback from Man United to claim a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park, scoring the free-kick that pulled the first goal back for his side.
They are next in action on Wednesday (26 February) when struggling Ipswich Town make the trip to Old Trafford.