Manchester United are facing FA charges after a mass brawl broke out in the club’s FA Cup win over Fulham at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils hosted the Marco Silva-led team at Old Trafford in the FA Cup quarterfinal for a place in the semis.
The first half ended goalless and United nearly slip to the visitors in the second half.
Mitrovic dropped the curtain-raiser, powering Fulham into the lead in the 50th minute.
After the goal, Fulham lost their bearing in the game and imploded with three red cards – two for players and one for the manager.
They were reduced to nine men. All three red cards were issued in the 72nd minute, effectively handing control of the game to the Red Devils.
Manchester United capitalized on their numerical advantage to turn the scoreline on its head with two quickfire goals in the 70th minute.
Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring for the Red Devils converting a spot-kick. Sabitzer doubled the lead before Bruno Fernandes scored again to bag his brace and sealed the win.
The game took a fever-pitched tempo tempered with flares of boiling emotions. Players from both remonstrated at referee Chris Kavanagh’s decisions.
For the first time this season, a team imploded with three red cards in a matter of seconds after remonstrating on the referee’s decision.
Manchester United players luckily fielded their complete eleven throughout the game whisked by flaring tempers both on the pitch and at the dugout.
Willian’s red cards still hold for a three-match ban but there are reports Mitrovic and Marco Silva may be slammed with lengthy bans. Man United players are also not escaping FA scrutiny.
The FA are investigating Man United players for their role in the melee during the game.
Before Willian was red-carded, Manchester United had surrounded the referee with appeals for a penalty, claiming Willian handle the ball with his hand.
The calls by Man United players for a penalty has been adjudged out of order by the FA.
The statement issued by the football governing body states Manchester United have been charged for failing to control the behavior of their players during the game.
The club has been given till March 27 to respond to the charges.
The statement reads;
“Manchester United has been charged after its players surrounded a match official during the 71st minute of the FA Cup tie against Fulham on Sunday 19 March.
“It’s alleged that Manchester United failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or do not behave in a way which is improper. Manchester United has until Monday 27 March to respond.”
Also, Marco Silva, Mitrovic, and Fulham have been charged as well by the FA for improper conduct during the game.
The punishment to be meted out will vary depending on the gravity of the offense as determined by the FA. However, there are projections that Fulham and Manchester United may be slammed with hefty fines while Mitrovic and Marco Silva may bag lengthy suspensions with a fine.
