BRUNO FERNANDES threw his boot to the ground in frustration twice as he risked a FOURTH red card this season.
The Manchester United captain, 30, started in midfield during the FA Cup match away at Arsenal, which they won on penalties, despite being down to ten men after Diogo Dalot’s red card.
With 37 minutes played, Fernandes fell under a challenge from Gabriel Jesus at the edge of the Arsenal box.
It seemed that the Gunners striker had clipped the ankles of the Portuguese playmaker.
However, Referee Andy Madley ignored his urgent pleas for a free-kick and allowed the game to continue.
Fernandes was furious that the decision did not favor him.
Seated on the ground, he removed the loose red boot from his left foot and angrily threw it in Madley’s direction, who continued to monitor the action.
Then, when play was halted, Fernandes resumed his petulant outburst with the referee.
But as his complaints seemed to go unheard, he decided to throw the boot to the ground again right in front of Madley.
The referee was not having it, promptly showing him a yellow card for his clear dissent.
Although Fernandes could have also been cautioned for his initial reaction, which was arguably worse, potentially leading to two bookings in quick succession.
Fans watching the match quickly took to social media to express their views on Fernandes’ moments of frustration.
One commented: “That’s why Fernandes shouldn’t be captain; he’s a petulant p****! I don’t know how the ref missed the foul initially.”
Another stated: “Sure, it’s definitely a foul on Bruno Fernandes, but he took off his OWN boot and threw it TWICE – the ref could’ve shown him a double yellow.”
A third remarked: “The worst captain in the league.”
A fourth noted: “It’s unacceptable for a captain to display petulance like that. Throwing your boot to the ground out of frustration at the ref. Why? This happens too often.”
And a final user commented: “What a horrible piece of work he is.”
The yellow card meant Fernandes had to tread carefully for the remainder of the FA Cup match to avoid a fourth red card this season.
Fernandes was sent off against Tottenham and Porto within four days.
He then received two yellow cards and was dismissed against Wolves on Boxing Day.