EUROPEAN FOOTBALL

Man Utd charged by FA for misconduct against Brighton

Manchester United
©Photo by Seán Murray from Flickr.com

Manchester United have been charged by the English FA over misconduct against Brighton and Hove Albion. The FA released a statement on Thursday in relation to an incident that took place on the field. Manchester United won 2-0 against Brighton on Wednesday in front of a packed Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo ended his longest goal-scoring drought in 10 years to give United the lead in the 51st minute. 2 minutes later Anthony Elanga caught Lewis Dunk on the ball. His press set him through on goal with just the keeper to beat. However, Lewis Dunk grabbed the Swedish teenager and pushed him down.

Pete Bankes deemed the incident to be a stonewall foul and booked Lewis Dunk. However, he only brandished a yellow card for Dunk.

Bankes’ decision to not send off Dunk upset all the United players. The players clearly felt that Elanga was denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity. They did not hold back and surrounded the referee. Bruno Fernandes was booked in this entire incident due to dissent.

Meanwhile, Bankes’ decision was called out by the video assistant referee Stuart Atwell. He recommended Bankes to review his decision on the screen. Bankes then overturned his decision and sent Dunk off.

However, United’s behavior around the referee was judged as misconduct by the FA. It was deemed as unorderly and out of line. Manchester United have been given time till Monday to respond to the charges. An appeal to retract the fine is to be the likely response from the club. The response from the United players were justified as it was a clear error from the referee. It remains to be seen if United call out the FA for the incompetence of the referee. We await till Monday.

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