Man Utd slapped with shocking FA charge as Aleksandr Mitrovic awaits punishment
Manchester United has received a charge for not ensuring that their players behaved in a disciplined manner during their 3-1 victory against Fulham in the FA Cup.
Despite a difficult second half, the team managed to secure a win with goals from Bruno Fernandes and Marcel Sabitzer, who scored his first goal for the Red Devils since arriving on loan from Bayern Munich.
However, Manchester United have been greatly affected by the FA accusation, which seems to imply that the team led by Erik ten Hag acted improperly by crowding referee Chris Kavanagh.
This event occurred in the second half when Willian touched the ball with his hand on the goal line, resulting in his dismissal after a VAR review.
An FA spokesperson said: “Manchester United FC has been charged after its players surrounded a match official during the 71st minute of the FA Cup tie against Fulham FC on Sunday 19 March.
“It’s alleged that Manchester United FC failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or do not behave in a way which is improper.
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) March 23, 2023
“Manchester United FC has until Monday 27 March to respond.”
Both Marco Silva and Aleksandr Mitrovic have been charged for two separate incidents that occurred during the game.
First animated head coach Silva was dismissed for crossing the line with his protests during the controversy, allegedly by kicking a water bottle at the fourth official.
Mitrovic soon followed Kavanagh after he pointed in his face and then placed his hands on the referee.
Kavanagh had no doubt that Mitrovic had overstepped the mark on this occasion, as Fulham were reduced to nine men in a matter of seconds after Mitrovic’s red card.
The FA has apparently informed Fulham that a three-match suspension would be “insufficient” for the large Serbian striker.
According to reports, Mitrovic could face a potential 10-match suspension as the FA looks to make an example of the Cottagers forward.
In a statement released on Monday night, the FA said: “Fulham, Marco Silva and Aleksandar Mitrovic have been charged following the incidents that took place in or around the 72nd minute of their tie against Manchester United in The FA Cup on Sunday 19 March.
“It’s alleged that Marco Silva used abusive and/or insulting words and/or gestures and/or behaviour towards the match referee; that he used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official prior to his dismissal; and that he also used abusive and/or insulting words and/or gestures and/or behaviour towards the fourth official after being sent off.
“It’s further alleged that in throwing a water bottle in the direction of the assistant referee his behaviour was improper.”
Silva was quick to point out in his post-match interview with ITV Sport that he was dissatisfied with a number of significant calls made throughout the spectacle.
“We come here to play at Old Trafford, like I said to you before the match, and we were the best team on the pitch, clear. Man United, of course we respect them but clear, we were the best team on the pitch,” Silva said.
“Corner for us and [after] counter-attack and it was a red card. It was a decision that the VAR can take and what is difficult for us to understand is two moments in their box.
“First half, one of them is a clear penalty on Mitrovic. No one checks, no one sees, no one wants to see.”
Man Utd slapped with shocking FA charge as Aleksandr Mitrovic awaits punishment
