Aleksandar Mitrovic and Marco Silva face extra FA charges, lengthy bans likely

The Football Association (FA) have announced that Fulham pair Aleksandar Mitrovic and Marco Silva will face extra charges following their red cards this weekend.

Fulham faced Manchester United in their FA Cup quarter-final tie at Old Trafford. With the London club leading, chaos ensued when winger Willian blocked a goal-bound Jadon Sancho effort.

Replays showed the Brazilian attacker had intentionally used his hand to prevent a goal. Referee Chris Kavanagh gave Willian a red card, enraging Fulham boss Silva.

The former Watford and Everton manager screamed at the match officials and received a red card.

When Kavanagh returned to the pitch to award the penalty, Mitrovic completely lost his head and confronted the ref.

He kept at it despite clearly running the risk of sabotaging his team with another card.

Mitrovic had given his team the lead but continued to protest the decision excessively and barged into him. Kavanagh produced a third red card for Fulham.

According to an FA spokesperson, the pair will face further charges and will likely face lengthy bans for the behaviour.

The FA spokesperson said (via Sky Sports): “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.”

Unsurprisingly, Fulham lost the game with nine men without their manager on the sidelines.

United had not offered much for most of the game. They were behind before their opposition lost their heads.

However, goals by Bruno Fernandes (2) and Marcel Sabitzer ensured United booked their place in the semi-finals.

The loss is not the most painful part for the Cottagers. They will lose their coach and top scorer for upcoming games after the international games.