According to Fulham manager Marco Silva, Aleksandar Mitrovic should learn to control his emotions. Still, the striker doesn't need to serve a lengthy suspension for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh at Old Trafford.
In a tumultuous few minutes, Mitrovic, winger Willian, and Silva were all given the red card, upending a gripping FA Cup match with Manchester United.
With 20 minutes remaining, Willian blocked Jadon Sancho's goal-bound attempt when Fulham was up 1-0.
Silva claimed he was dismissed for leaving his technical area while the referee watched a replay on a screen at the side of the field.
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The Fulham manager did, however, acknowledge that he yelled at the official. "I won't lie to you. I didn't say the decision was just and that he was a really wonderful guy. He didn't hear me, though "said Silva.
When Mitrovic, the goal scorer for Fulham, was also given a red card for intentional handball, he reacted aggressively and shoved Kavanagh's arm. Mitrovic had to be twice dragged away from the official by club personnel and teammates.
A former Premier League striker, Chris Sutton, suggested that the player should serve a 10-game suspension when speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live.
"He noticed the red haze. It is not a defence. You are not allowed to touch an official, "Sutton agreed, adding that Bruno Fernandez ought to have been subject to the same punishment for appearing to push a referee during United's 7-0 loss to Liverpool".
"I believe it will have an effect at the most basic levels deeper down the food chain. Kids who are watching the game today will be of the mindset that if Mitrovic can do it, so can I."
Silva was questioned following the game about whether he anticipated Mitrovic would be given a lengthy suspension, similar to Paolo Di Canio's 11-match rest for pushing referee Paul Alcock in 1998.
Silva claimed, "I didn't see in a so, so awful way. "He shoved the official, and Mitro needs to learn to control his feelings. I'll talk to him about what I noticed in the picture.
But I hope those making the decision do so fairly, as the occasion demands.
Silva alleged that Fulham had been wrongfully spared two penalties for earlier fouls on Mitrovic.
He also made a personal attack on Kavanagh by bringing up a loss to West Ham in October, when he fought over a goal he didn't think should have been allowed to stand.
He remarked, "This season's story with Chris Kavanagh is complicated".
The controversy over the penalty call against Willian, according to Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, was crucial in deciding the game.
This season, the Dutchman has experienced problems with authorities. He was enraged by Casemiro's recent red card against Southampton, which resulted in the Brazilian receiving a four-match suspension. Last month, he got a warning in Barcelona for disputing decisions during United's 2-2 draw.
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