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.
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.”
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
Alejandro Garnacho set for Premier League switch as Manchester United shuffle attacking lineup
Danny Jones
Young Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho looks set to make a switch to another Premier League team as he has reportedly already reached an agreement regarding personal terms with his next club: Chelsea.
The promising winger, who graduated from Man United’s academy setup and has quickly made an impact even in just a short time in the first team, is now believed to be London-bound very soon, with Chelsea now “close” to completing a deal for the 21-year-old.
While there are no doubts surrounding his talent and potential, it is said the rift between him and the United head coach comes down to personality, character and conduct, with the latter not shying away from sharing grievances publicly.
🚨 Chelsea have stepped up talks with Manchester United over deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho. Clubs in touch on topic for some time & now advancing amid Benjamin Sesko joining #MUFC. 21yo winger wants #CFC or nothing + expects move to happen @TheAthleticFChttps://t.co/vdc1dtnA0p
According to The Athletic, it now looks as though after having agitated for a move, Garnacho has got his wish and is set for the capital, in a move which could see him become the 51st senior player to sign for the Blues under Todd Boehly’s ownership.
It is, quite frankly, a staggering number – especially given the fact that he only purchased the club back in May of 2022.
Most notably in Garnacho‘s case, too, it also raises questions around where in the Chelsea squad he will fit and how much regular first-team football (a guaranteed starting spot rumoured to be a flashpoint with Amorim) he will be able to enjoy should the deal go ahead.
For instance, besides the plethora of other attacking players at Enzo Maresca’s disposal, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says that the west Londoners are also pursuing PSG’s Xavi Simons.
Nevertheless, the Italian journalist claims that “every detail of personal terms with Chelsea” has now been agreed, with the Argentine prospect now fully set on a move to Stamford Bridge.
You can see what other Manchester United transfer updates he gave in his latest video.
Romano goes on to state that the deal is effectively done as far as the player side of things is concerned, adding that Garnacho is now only interested in Chelsea since and has been since July.
Although negotiations are yet to begin with Man United, it looks likely that they will push to get a transfer approved quickly as they look to cover the costs of the other business, having already brought in a number of players.
A young BMX star from Trafford finished on the podium in the 2025 World Championships
Danny Jones
A Greater Manchester native placed on the podium at the 2025 BMX World Championships in yet another display of our region’s sporting excellence.
12-year-old Leo Rowlands from Timperley in Trafford was one of the several promising BMX riders representing Team GB at the World Championships in Copenhagen, which kicked off at the end of July.
Back in 2023, Geordie-born Kieran Reilly became the UK’s first champion at the UCI BMX Freestyle Worlds in Glasgow, and this year, London’s Beth Shriever claimed a trio of world titles.
Combine that with the incredible achievement of the talented young lad coming third overall in his own category, and it really was another brilliant performance from Great Britain.
Credit: Supplied
Penning a proud statement online, local outlet Altrincham Today wrote: “HUGE congratulations to Leo Rowlands, who has just claimed WORLD No. 3 at the BMX World Championships in Copenhagen.
“The Year 7 [aged 11-12] Altrincham College student, who’s been racing since age 6 and trains at Bruntwood Park BMX Club in Cheadle, came through a field of over 140 of the world’s best riders to reach the final and secure his spot on the podium.
“Already North Champion and UK National No. 2, Leo will be going for the British Championship title in Kent this month.”
Joining in sharing their pride and praise on social media, his home college in Alty, along with Rowlands’ fellow students, simply added: “Incredible performance, Leo!”
The comments underneath both posts are filled with other parents and fellow locals passing on their congrats. You love to see it.
Credit: Family Handout (supplied)
As for his regular cycling haunt, Bruntwood Park BMX Club also went on to add: “Yesterday, two riders reached the top of the sport for their age, and it is with great pride that they bring home the club’s first W plates from a World Championships.
“First up, Leo Rowlands, who put down a stunning lap in the Male 12s final, working his way back from dead last out of the gate to make a brilliant podium and take home W3.”
They went on to credit all of their rising talents, including another promising young and already multi-title-winning champion in Lexi Waite, who fought her way back from a slipped gate to finish in fifth.
Bruntwood signed off by adding: “What an incredible achievement from both of these outstanding riders, and we cannot wait to have these guys back with their W plates!”
There’s plenty of cycling history being made here in Greater Manchester, and we’ve no doubt there’s more to come.
Danny Jones -
21st March 2023 
