Bruno Fernandes Criticizes Referee After Failing To Execute Penalty

JAKARTA - Bruno Fernandes criticized referee Chris Kavanagh for not apologizing for his role in the Manchester United captain's missed penalty in the match ending 1-1 on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Craven Cottage.

The Red Devils were held to a draw by Marco Silva's side after Emile Smith Rowe equalized.

Manchester United opened the scoring through Leny Yoro in the second half, but Fernandes had missed an earlier chance to put his team ahead when he executed a first-half penalty that bounced over the crossbar.

After placing the ball at the penalty spot, Fernandes collided with referee Kavanagh as he walked back to start running, forcing the Portuguese player to look back at the ball and start his routine again.

Although he did not blame Kavanagh for the failure, Fernandes said he expected - and did not accept - an apology from the referee.

"I'm upset. As a penalty executor, you have your own routine, the things you do yourself."

"I was annoyed that the referee didn't apologize. That was what triggered me at the time, but that was no reason to miss a penalty."

"I did a very bad kick. I put my feet too under the ball and that's why the ball finally bounced over the bar," Fernandes said.

Manchester United still have their first win of the season after starting the season with a home defeat against Arsenal 0-1 last week before traveling to Fulham.

However, what is the power, the expected victory has not yet arrived. They again failed to get the full points.

Fernandes also did not hide his disappointment over Manchester United who lost more points at Craven Cottage.

"We can't be satisfied with just one point. We came here to win the game. We defended very well, but on one occasion they scored."

"For us, it's very disappointing not to win today's game," said Fernandes.