The Football Association (FA) has announced that the standard punishment for sending off Fulham Striker Aleksandar Mitrovic was ‘clearly insufficient’ following the Serbian’s actions in Fulham’s 3-1 loss to Manchester United in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup.
Mitrovic opened the scoring on the day, but was shown a straight red card after he tried to grab referee Chris Kavanagh’s arm in the 72nd minute for awarding Erik Ten Hag’s team a penalty.
Usually, a player is suspended for three matches after receiving a straight red card for violent conduct, but depending on the circumstances, that ban can be extended and now Mitrovic will face a lengthy ban.
Fulham manager Marco Silva has also been charged with abusive behaviour towards match officials. He will face an improper conduct charge for allegedly throwing a water bottle in the direction of the assistant referee.
Fulham have also been charged for failing to put it’s players in order. A statement from the FA read:
“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 is 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 is further alleged that in throwing a water bottle in the direction of the assistant referee his behaviour was improper.
“The FA has claimed that the standard punishment which would otherwise apply to Aleksandar Mitrovic for the sending off offence of violent conduct that he committed towards the match referee is clearly insufficient.
“In addition, Aleksandar Mitrovic’s behaviour and/or language was allegedly improper and/or abusive and/or insulting and/or threatening following his dismissal.”It’s also alleged that Fulham failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.”
