Bruno Fernandes Reveals Referee Incident Behind Penalty Miss
"Manchester United captain admits referee contact disrupted his focus before costly penalty miss against Fulham"
“Manchester United captain admits referee contact disrupted his focus before costly penalty miss against Fulham”
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has lifted the lid on the surprising reason behind his missed penalty during Sunday’s clash with Fulham, admitting that an unusual incident involving the referee unsettled him moments before his run-up.
The Portuguese midfielder, known for his clinical finishing from the spot, shocked fans when his effort failed to hit the back of the net — a rare sight for a player with one of the most consistent penalty records in Europe.
Speaking after the game, Fernandes explained that the referee accidentally bumped into him seconds before he stepped up to take the kick, an interaction he described as “triggering” and disruptive to his focus.
> “I’m not making excuses, but it did affect me. The referee touched me just before I took the penalty, and it threw me off rhythm. These little things matter when you’re preparing to stay calm and concentrated,” Fernandes admitted.
The miss proved costly as United dropped valuable points, and fans were left stunned, considering Fernandes’ reputation for composure under pressure. While some supporters have defended the midfielder, others believe he should not let external distractions affect him in such critical moments.
This revelation has also sparked debate among pundits, with many questioning whether referees should exercise more caution when interacting with players during high-pressure situations.
For Fernandes, the incident remains a frustrating one, but he has vowed to bounce back and continue leading United with the same determination and responsibility he has shown since being handed the armband.
