Aleksandar Mitrovic has been given an eight-match ban for shoving referee Chris Kavanagh in the FA Cup game between Manchester United and Fulham on March 19. Manager Marco Silva and Fulham themselves are also being punished for the misconduct that took place in and after the duel with Erik ten Hag’s team.
Fulham took a 0-1 lead to visit Manchester United after seventy minutes when Willian took a bet from Jadon Sancho off the line with his arm. After interference from the VAR, Kavanagh decided to award a penalty the Red Devils, and a red card to Willian. The arbitrator’s decision caused the stoppages to blow, including striker Mitrovic, who was white-hot and pushed Kavangh. He also got red.
What a moment! ??
? William saves the ball off the line but does so by hand
? After the VAR images, the referee gives a penalty and red to William
? Mitrovic attacks the referee and also gets a red card
? Bruno Fernandes uses the penalty: 1-1#ZiggoSport #FACup #MNUFUL pic.twitter.com/TGRRjIk9rn— Ziggo Sport Football (@ZS_Voetbal) March 19, 2023
Normally in England there is a three match suspension for violent conduct, but the independent rules committee found that to be ‘clearly insufficient’ in this case. In the end, it was therefore decided to give the Serb an eight-match suspension. He has already sat out one game, leaving seven games left. He could make his return on May 13 against Southampton. In addition to the suspension, Mitrovic was also fined more than 85,000 euros.
Manager Silva, who admitted that he insulted Kavanagh and the fourth official that day in word, gesture and behavior, will receive a two-match suspension and a fine of around 23,000 euros. However, that amount will be doubled, because the Portuguese questioned the integrity of the arbitration at the press conference after the match. Due to the suspension, Silva is not on the bench during the Premier League matches with West Ham United (April 8) and Everton (April 15).
Incidentally, the FA has announced that it will appeal against the sentences for Mitrovic and Silva, as the football association wants to see a higher sentence. Finally, Fulham was also punished: with a fine of just under fifty thousand euros. The club is blamed for the players not behaving according to the rules during the game at Old Trafford.