Former Premier League referee slams Phil Foden's challenge on Calvin Bassey

Retired Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has weighed in on Phil Foden’s foul on Calvin Bassey two days ago, Afrik Foot reports.

The 26-year-old started his first game for Fulham this year in their clash against Manchester City at the Etihad after he lost his spot to Jorge Cuenca, following his participation at the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco.

However, first-half goals from Antoine Semenyo, Nico O’Reilly and Erling Haaland confounded Fulham to their third consecutive Premier League loss. Still, there was a controversial moment that could’ve marred the game.

Calvin Bassey shaking Pep Guardiola's hands — Calvin Bassey shaking Pep Guardiola’s hands. Photo by IMAGO

Dermot Gallagher reveals refereeing error regarding Foden’s foul on Bassey

In the 66th minute, Calvin Bassey tried to play out from the back with the ball, but Phil Foden fouled the Nigerian defender, stamping his foot on the centre-backs achilles.

Disgusting from the commentators, they really called Foden’s potential career ending foot stamp on Bassey’s achilles a “little kinda.. stud.”

The kind of protection Man city players gets from referees is unheard of pic.twitter.com/NbnxWmMV2J

— The Football Era (@FootballEra_) February 12, 2026

Referee Paul Tierney issued a yellow card to the Englishman before he was taken off five minutes later.

Phil Foden of Manchester City against Fulham. Photo by IMAGO

Speaking on the Sky Sports Ref Watch recap, retired referee Dermot Gallagher revealed that Foden was lucky not to have been sent off in the game.

“I think it’s a red card. I think he [Phil Foden] is really lucky. I think it’s a red card because he caught Bassey on the wrong foot.

“He didn’t mean to do it, we get that, but he’s gone to take him on the other foot, but because Bassey has accelerated away, Foden got him on the left ankle with his studs.

“One of the problems is that anything is subjective because it’s not black and white, it’s always down to opinion, but I don’t think that [the tackle] is acceptable,” the 68-year-old concluded.