Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic has been handed an extended eight-match ban by an independent regulatory commission for a shove on referee Chris Kavanagh during his side’s defeat at Manchester United earlier this month.
The 28-year-old was due to serve a three-game suspension after receiving a red card for violent conduct in the FA Cup quarter-final tie, but the Football Association argued that the standard ban was “insufficient.”
Mitrovic’s transgression followed a recent incident where Bruno Fernandes appeared to push away a linesman, but despite calls in some quarters, the Manchester United player did not face any punishment.
The Athletic explains why that was the case, why Mitrovic has now been given a more severe sanction, and how the process unfolded.
Manchester United triumphed 3-1 in the quarter-final — but only after Fulham had combusted.
Fulham winger Willian was shown a red card for a handball off the line from Jadon Sancho’s effort in the second half, and that decision sparked chaotic scenes.
Mitrovic squared up to referee Kavanagh, who immediately showed the Serbia international a red card.
Fulham head coach Marco Silva was also sent off for his protests during an eventful 60 seconds at Old Trafford.
