In Fulham's FA Cup quarterfinal loss to Manchester United, Marco Silva and Aleksandar Mitrovic received red cards for their behaviour. Since then, they have both expressed regret for their actions to referee Chris Kavanagh.
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Fulham manager Marco Silva and striker Aleksandar Mitrovic have expressed regret for their behaviour and apologised to referee Chris Kavanagh after their red cards at Old Trafford. Marco Silva was accused of using foul language towards referees after Willian was sent off for handball while Fulham was leading Manchester United in the FA Cup quarterfinals. Fulham enjoyed a 1-0 lead, but they lost it when Silva was dismissed after Kavanagh reviewed the handball penalty. Brazilian Willian was then dismissed as well to which Mitrovic reacted angrily.
A straight red card for violent behaviour would generally result in a three-match suspension for Mitrovic, though the length of the suspension can vary based on the situation. Chris Sutton, a former Premier League striker, demanded that Mitrovic receive a 10-match suspension, but manager Silva pleaded with the FA for “fairness.”
In the apologies posted at Fulham’s website, Silva said; “Emotions were high at Old Trafford and, as I said in my press conference after the game, I should have controlled my own emotions better. It was a very difficult moment, in a match that we had dominated, but I could have handled the situation better. I regret what happened, and I have spoken to Chris Kavanagh to apologise. He knows that I respect him and the job he has to do.”
Mitrovic, who is currently with the Serbian national team said “I have been away with my national team and have had some time to reflect on the Manchester United match. As everyone knows, it was a very emotional one, in which the team gave absolutely everything on the pitch to try to reach the semi-final of the FA Cup. In the meantime, I would like to reiterate my regret that this happened. I have already said sorry to my teammates, but I would also like to apologise to the Fulham fans, particularly those who travelled to Old Trafford to support us and who did not stop singing all game. I hope to be back soon and repay their faith and support.”
Mitrovic says that he has accepted the three match ban and has spoken to the referee to apologise. He also volunteered to play the club’s fine. He regrets his mistakes as this was his first red card since the 2015/16 season. Mitrovic has been in the radar of top clubs this season especially Manchester United as the Fulham striker has scored 11 goals this season and with United looking for a number nine he would have been a decent option. But after this red card incident, sources say that United have cooled off their interests as Mitrovic faces a long ban.
