Figures inside the FA and beyond are calling for Aleksandar Mitrovic to receive a lengthy match ban of potentially 10 games or more following his conduct in the Manchester United game on Sunday.
Man United progressed to their second semi-final of the season with a 3-1 win over Fulham at the weekend, however, the win didn’t come without controversy as the home side were awarded a tide-turning penalty which the visitors didn’t take too kindly to.
After winger Willian saw a straight red card for handball, blocking the shot of Jadon Sancho‘s goal-bound shot, tensions were already rising before Mitrovic’s protests saw things reach boiling point and dissent quickly spiralled into the Serbian raising his hands to referee Chris Kavanagh.
The decision that came after was of little surprise.
▪️ Handball by Willian on the goalline ▪️ VAR intervene, penalty given, Marco Silva shown red ▪️ Mitrovic sent off for confronting referee ▪️ Willian sent off ▪️ Fernandes equalises ▪️ Sabitzer puts #MUFC ahead
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) March 19, 2023
As you can see, the chaos that ensued after saw players running the length of the pitch either to back up their teammates or try and help diffuse the situation, not to mention substitutes and coaching staff getting involved.
ADVERTISEMENT
Everyone else was lucky to walk away without a suspension of their own but as for Mitro himself, both refs and ex-pros are recommending that Fulham forward receive a ‘lengthy ban’, with the likes of Chris Sutton insisting, “He saw the red mist. That’s no excuse, you do not lay your hands on an official. In my opinion, the player should get a 10-match ban”.
Sutton went on to suggest that scenes like “impact further down the chain at grassroots level. There will be kids watching the game today who think, well if Mitrovic can do it, so can I.”
But it wasn’t just the pundits who thought a hefty penalty should be incurred, as former referees’ chief Keith Hackett echoed his statement; current head of the Referees’ Association, Paul Field, said “I hope it’s more than 10 games”, with Paolo di Canio’s 11-match ban for shoving Paul Alcock in 1998 cited.
Grassroots ref Simon King said, “I was stunned. The stalking and intimidation, having to be forcibly dragged away… It’s quite frightening that happens at the top level.”
ADVERTISEMENT
As for manager Marco Silva — who is also being investigated for his own misconduct during the match — he told reporters after the game that he saw the altercation and will speak to Mitrovic over “control his emotion”, but is urging “fairness” from the FA.
Silva said he was sent off for leaving his technical area and verbal abuse while Kavanagh went to view the VAR replay during the penalty, but he is also alleged to have thrown a water bottle at the assistant referee during the commotion.
The Portuguese coach went on to state that his club have had difficulty with this particular ref all year, arguing that they have been “unlucky with him this season” and “it is difficult to understand some of the decisions”, alluding to their own handball shouts against West Ham in the Premier League.
Should Mitrovic serve a 10-match ban or more, or is the whole thing being blown out of proportion?
You can watch the highlights of Manchester United vs Fulham in full down below:
Featured Image — Manchester United/Fulham FC (via Twitter) ITV Sport (via YouTube)
Sport
Be part of the biggest Great Manchester Run ever
Danny Jones
Runners and regular Mancs alike, start lacing up your trainers and sorting safety pins early, because the Great Manchester Run is back for 2026, and you can be part of it.
With sign-ups flying and bibs selling out fast, we really recommend getting a move on and booking your place now to make sure you’re part of what is, without fail, not just one of the most exciting dates on the local sporting calendar, but always a great day for the city in general.
Returning for its 23rd edition and fourth year being backed by principal sponsors, AJ Bell, we can assure it’ll be as well-attended as ever.
In fact, judging by the numbers already and the increasing crowds of spectators every year, this is looking on course to be the biggest Great Manchester Run to date.
The only question is, are you going to help make it the BEST yet by joining the thousands of others already finding the perfect spot to hang their shiny new medal?
Half-marathon, 10k, junior and mini races
As ever, the Great MCR Run isn’t just limited to one event: there are multiple distances, routes and age groups that can race the route in and around the city centre.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day
So, whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day, there really is fun for all ages.
In all seriousness, even watching the massive metropolitan event stood next to the roads with homemade signs promises plenty of atmosphere, but with fancy dress galore, various different activations in the middle of the city, there’s not a chance you’ll get bored.
Even in the years we’ve missed out on running it ourselves (it sold well in advance last year, for instance), the pure buzz we got from joining countless other Mancs cheering from the pavement is enough to keep us coming back time and time again.
All that being said, if you’re looking to sort the perfect Christmas present for a runner, or simply need more reason to give yourself the kick up the backside you’ve been waiting for and just put your name down, this is it.
Besides the full annual marathon in April, running events simply don’t get bigger in this region than this one, so don’t miss out.
Sign up for the 2026 Great Manchester Run right HERE.
Featured Images — Great Run Company/AJ Bell (supplied)
Sport
Wigan Warriors finally reveal next season’s kits following update on delayed release
Danny Jones
Wigan Warriors have now officially revealed their new shirts for next season, following a much-anticipated update regarding the 2026 kits, the release of which had been delayed.
The Greater Manchester club lost this year’s Grand Final but still had a strong season, and with another local outfit having been relegated from the division, they are one of just two teams from the region competing for the title in the upcoming campaign.
However, supporters were fretting that they might not be able to get their new threads until after Christmas due to the launch of the latest merchandise being postponed.
Thankfully, this week, the club not only informed fans that things are getting back on schedule but also officially revealed the Wigan Warriors home and away shirt strips for the 30th anniversary edition of the Super League on Tuesday afternoon.
As you can see, the nearby rugby outfit is staying with Kappa as their manufacturer and, as ever, is sticking with the deep red, white and black colour combos across both jerseys.
Branding the home shirt as the ‘Loyal’ fit and the away one as their ‘Rebel’ version, the kits both feature horizontal stripes and other geometrical variations.
Most notably, Warriors now have a positive update on the status of the kits’ full launch, even if they don’t have an exact timeline just yet.
Writing to fans in an official statement, the club said: “Wigan Warriors are happy to report that [we are] expecting delivery of the 2026 home and away kits imminently.”
They go on to explain that they have been “experiencing significant delays” regarding the supply pipeline, which they say “were beyond the control of the Club.”
Nevertheless, the cogs are moving once again; you can see a closer look at some of the details below.
The home shirt…A.K.A. ‘Loyal’ kitAnd the away jersey…Or ‘Rebel’ strip
Warriors Chief Executive, Kris Radlinski, continued: “We want to thank everyone for their patience and continued support. Due to issues outside of our control, delivery timelines have unfortunately been impacted.
“We understand how frustrating this has been for supporters, particularly so close to Christmas, and we genuinely share that frustration. Please be assured that our team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure delivery as quickly as possible.
“We apologise that we have not been able to provide an earlier update while matters were ongoing. We are pleased to confirm that the delivery has now cleared customs and will be arriving at the Club imminently.”
Although personalisation will not yet be made available due to a focus on processing “as many orders as possible in the shortest time frame”, pre-orders for both shirts are now live, and those interested are being urged to opt for click and collect/visit in store where possible to avoid any further waiting.
Danny Jones -
21st March 2023 
