Pat Nevin is conflicted over a recent Bruno Fernandes video posted by Fulham that mocked the Manchester United midfielder.
The video went viral and angered United manager Erik ten Hag, who demanded an apology from the London club.
Interestingly, Fulham boss Marco Silva could understand why Ten Hag was annoyed by the video.
Former Scotland international turned BBC Sport pundit Pat Nevin has given his take on the matter, and he has noted that opposition fans do not like Fernandes very much, but that doesn’t excuse a professional club would mock a player after taking a knock.
Nevin wrote the following in his newsletter for the BBC.
“Manchester United were less than impressed last week by Fulham’s meme suggesting Bruno Fernandes was not as badly hurt as he initially suggested. The midfielder did appear to make a Lazarus-level recovery when the referee ignored his writhing.
“Now I am slightly conflicted here. As a former professional player, the idea of some smarty pants taking the mick out of players on a club’s official social media feed feels unacceptable.
“If it was another player, manager or ex-player pundit who has been there and done that who was having a go at Bruno, then I would be perfectly happy to let them vent their spleen.
“I am conflicted here because I see Fulham’s side in that particular incident. Let’s be honest, there is a reason why Bruno gets booed by various fanbases around the country: it is the fact that they think he is a serial offender in the gamesmanship and ‘rolling around pretending to be slain’ stakes.
“But, if every club lets their social media department go on the offensive, expect mayhem.
“Maybe that’s the direction of travel – if so I am happy I am no longer a player!”
Fernandes get a lot of unfair criticism, but it has not been a good season for the Portugal international.
Hopefully he can end the season strongly.
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Fernandes’ flopping was an embarrassment. He should just hope the story fades away.