**Controversial Refereeing in Manchester Derby Leaves United Fans Furious Over Dias Decision**
The latest edition of the Manchester Derby was not short of drama, as controversy erupted surrounding Manchester City defender Ruben Dias and a contentious decision by the referee that has left Manchester United fans in uproar. The Portuguese center-back was involved in a highly debated incident in the second half, which many believed should have resulted in his dismissal from the match.
From the outset, the match was played with immense intensity. Both Manchester United and Manchester City came out aggressively, each aiming to dominate early. The high-stakes rivalry lived up to expectations, delivering moments of tension and aggression right from the first whistle. One of the first significant moments occurred just 40 seconds into the game, when Ruben Dias was shown a yellow card for a rough challenge on United’s Alejandro Garnacho. The early booking placed Dias in a risky position for the remainder of the game, as he now had to tread carefully to avoid further infractions.
Despite being on thin ice, Dias found himself at the heart of controversy once again later in the second half. On this occasion, he tripped Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte—a challenge that many deemed worthy of a second yellow card. The incident immediately ignited strong reactions from United fans, pundits, and former players, many of whom believed that Dias had committed a clear second bookable offense.
The frustration among Manchester United supporters intensified as the referee opted not to take disciplinary action against Dias for the foul on Ugarte. This decision, or lack thereof, has sparked a wave of criticism, with many accusing the referee of inconsistency and leniency towards the Manchester City defender. According to the Laws of the Game, a player who receives two yellow cards in a match must be shown a red and sent off. By that standard, critics argue that Dias should have been dismissed, which could have significantly altered the dynamics of the game.
The decision has since become a major talking point across social media and post-match discussions, with fans and analysts dissecting the moment and questioning the referee’s judgment. Many Manchester United supporters feel that such lapses in officiating are damaging to the integrity of the sport and can unfairly influence outcomes in matches of such magnitude.
As the dust settles on another heated derby, one thing remains clear: the debate over Ruben Dias’ escape from a second yellow card will likely continue to rage on, highlighting once again how refereeing decisions can dominate headlines just as much as the football itself.
