Has anyone ever said that red cards in football come around like London buses? Bruno Fernandes must certainly think so, even if the Portuguese international currently residing in Manchester isn’t all that familiar with the infamy of the big red bus.

Before Manchester United faced Tottenham two Sundays ago, Fernandes had played over 600 times for club and country in a career that has so far reached Novara, Udine, Genoa, Lisbon and Manchester. Never had he received a straight red card.

It’s a stat that may have surprised a few given Fernandes’ sulky temperament, and even the red card he received for a lunge on James Maddison was rescinded by the FA. However, having been sent off just twice in his career before his dismissal against Spurs, Fernandes received his marching orders for the second time in four days during United’s topsy-turvy Europa League clash with Porto.

And this time, there will be no reprieve.

For the third time in his career, Fernandes was sent off after picking up two yellow cards.

The United captain was booked in the 32nd minute for a high boot and sent off with less then ten minutes remaining for a similar offence. Fernandes was attempting to make contact with Alejandro Garnacho’s cross but his boot was raised as Nehuen Perez headed the ball away.

While the Man Utd man didn’t make contact with the Porto defender, who clutched his face in faux agony, German referee Tobias Stieler deemed the action dangerous enough to hand Fernandes his second booking.

Man Utd’s successful appeal of Fernandes’ red card against Tottenham meant he was available for Sunday’s stalemate at Aston Villa.

However, United will not have the chance to appeal the Portuguese international’s Europa League suspension given that Fernandes received two yellow cards as opposed to a straight red. UEFA rules stipulate that clubs cannot appeal red cards that are earned via two yellows.

Fernandes is suspended for just one Europa League fixture, but it’s a biggie.

Man Utd’s number eight will be absent for the Red Devils’ daunting trip to Istanbul on 24 October as they take on a Fenerbahce side coached by none other than Jose Mourinho. Talk about a contest laden with narratives.

While Fernandes will miss that game, he’ll be eligible to return when Man Utd face Greek side PAOK at Old Trafford on 7 November.

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