Man Utd charged by FA for surrounding referee during Fulham FA Cup tie
The incident happened as United appealed for handball by Willian on the line.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United have been charged by the Football Association for surrounding referee Chris Kavanagh in Sunday’s fiery FA Cup quarter-final win over Fulham.
United’s players appealed to the referee for a handball after Kavanagh originally awarded a corner when Willian blocked Jadon Sancho’s shot on the line – a decision which sparked a chaotic few minutes.
Kavanagh changed his decision after checking the pitchside monitor and sent Willian off before being pushed by Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who was also dismissed along with Cottagers boss Marco Silva.
Both Silva and Mitrovic have already been sanctioned by the FA, with the latter facing a lengthy suspension, and United have now also been charged over the behaviour of their players at Old Trafford.
An FA statement read: “Manchester United FC has been charged after its players surrounded a match official during the 71st minute of the FA Cup tie against Fulham FC on Sunday 19 March.
“It’s alleged that Manchester United FC failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or do not behave in a way which is improper.
“Manchester United FC has until Monday 27 March to respond.”
Fulham had been leading 1-0 up until Willian’s handball, with United scoring the resulting penalty before going on to win the match 3-1.