Aleksandar Mitrovic looks set for a lengthy ban after the Football Association claimed a “standard punishment” would be “clearly insufficient” after pushing the referee during Fulham’s 3-1 FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.
Mitrovic reacted aggressively after ref Chris Kavanagh awarded United a penalty for Willian preventing a likely Jadon Sancho goal with his hand when the Cottagers were 1-0 up.
Kavanagh was in the process of showing Willian a red card when Mitrovic approached him, with the Serbian shoving the official and getting in his face.
A straight red would ordinarily lead to a three-match ban but it would appear the FA will attempt to suspend him for longer.
Fulham head coach Marco Silva was also sent off while play was paused following Willian’s handball and he could be in line for a significant ban as well.
An FA statement 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, March 19.
City winning UCL won’t compare to Julia Roberts visiting Man Utd! – Guardiola
“It’s alleged that 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.
“The FA has claimed that the standard punishment which would otherwise apply to Mitrovic for the sending off offence of violent conduct that he committed towards the match referee is clearly insufficient.
“In addition, 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 their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.”