“It Was Not My Fault, The Ball Was Not Good!” – Bruno Fernandes Sparks Huge Controversy After Penalty Miss Against Fulham
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has broken his silence after missing a decisive penalty in United’s frustrating 1-1 draw against Fulham, and his explanation has already set tongues wagging across the football world.
The Portuguese playmaker, who is often regarded as one of the most reliable penalty takers in the Premier League, shocked fans when he failed to convert from the spot late in the game – a moment that could have secured three vital points for Erik ten Hag’s struggling side. But in a post-match interview, Fernandes gave a bizarre explanation that left many stunned.
“It was not my fault, I don’t know how to explain it, but the ball was not good,” he said firmly, insisting that the equipment itself played a role in his costly miss. According to Fernandes, the penalty ball was defective, and he claimed that its bounce, spin, and texture felt different from normal match balls.
The statement has caused uproar, with rival fans mocking him for making excuses, while some Manchester United supporters have rushed to defend their captain, suggesting that such issues with match balls have indeed occurred in football before. Social media exploded immediately after the comments, with hashtags like #BrunoBallGate and #PenaltyDrama trending within minutes.
For context, Fernandes has one of the best penalty records in European football. Since joining United, he has scored the majority of his spot-kicks with his trademark hop-and-kick technique. However, this particular miss could not have come at a worse time, with United desperate for points after a string of underwhelming results that have left them hovering in mid-table.
Pundits, too, have weighed in. Some have called his remarks “unprofessional” and “excuse-driven,” while others argued that the captain may have been trying to highlight a genuine problem that needs to be investigated. Former players suggested that United should request an official review of the match ball, while rival legends mocked Fernandes for what they described as “passing the blame to leather and air.”
The controversy only adds more pressure on Erik ten Hag, who has already been under fire for inconsistent tactics and lack of cohesion in the team. Fernandes’ words now create another talking point, shifting focus away from the club’s tactical failures and putting the spotlight on the dramatic penalty incident.
What is clear is that this will not be forgotten anytime soon. Whether the ball was truly defective or not, Fernandes’ explanation will go down as one of the most surprising post-match comments of the season.
United fans will now be left wondering: was it really the ball… or was it their captain crumbling under pressure at the worst possible moment?