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
Manchester Marathon found fresh community fund following milestone charitable efforts
Danny Jones
The Manchester Marathon has begun a new community fund following more than a decade of incredible charity efforts.
Known as the Trafford Active Fund for the last 10 years or so, the initiative covers not only the city and its wider boroughs’ annual 26.2-mile long race, but various other sports and activity-based schemes across the region.
Now, though, the fresh Manc Marathon Fund is evolving in partnership with the existing Trafford Moving Fund and MCRactive arm of Manchester City Council by expanding its vital charity work further afield than ever before.
Launching ahead of the 2026 event this spring, runners will once again be behind crucial funding across the Greater Manchester region and beyond.
The new Manchester Marathon Community Fund logo (Credit: Supplied)
For context, back in 2024, the MCR Marathon raised nearly £30 million for the local economy and roughly £3.7m for charities like the Alzheimer’s Society; last April, that figure surpassed more than £4m, and the fundraising numbers only continue to increase with every year.
With that in mind, more than £60k is distributed to various partner programmes that “inspire movement, improve wellbeing, and create meaningful change for local people”.
Moving forward, not only will £1 from every paid entry into the Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half continue to go directly into the Manchester Marathon Community Fund (MMCF).
Andrew Smith, Chief Executive of A.S.O. UK – organisers of the MCR Marathon and Half – said: “We’re incredibly proud of the positive impact the Trafford Active Fund has delivered locally over the years, and we’re excited to extend that impact across both Trafford and Manchester City [Centre].
“By broadening our reach, the MMCF will help even more people to get active and contribute to a legacy of movement and wellbeing. Our relationship with Trafford remains as strong as ever, and we look forward to continuing to support the brilliant community projects that make a real difference there.”
Community groups and projects in Trafford or the City of Manchester can apply for funding via the Trafford Moving Fund and MCR Active (dependent on their location).
A panel from each organisation reviews applications and selects projects that best demonstrate lasting impact.
We share stories from funded projects throughout the year, so you can see the difference your event entry makes.
We love how much the North West regularly dedicates its charitable efforts, both socially and physically, towards important causes throughout the year.
Featured Images — Press shots (supplied via Manchester Marathon/ASO UK)
Sport
Academy graduate Oscar Bobb is leaving Manchester City on a permanent transfer
Danny Jones
Manchester City youth academy graduate Oscar Bobb is leaving the club after sealing a move to Fulham FC.
Despite plenty of loan interest throughout the January transfer window, the Man City attacker has secured a switch to the in-form West London team on a permanent basis.
Bobb looked increasingly likely to leave in some capacity following the arrival of another winger in the form of instant hit, Antoine Semenyo, but it now looks as though his departure is all but confirmed, bar an imminent official announcement.
As reported by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the agreement has now been reached between the two clubs pending a full medical today (Thursday, 29 January).
According to Romano, Fulham will pay Man City approximately £27 million for Bobb’s services, who becomes the latest addition in what has already been a fairly busy period of recruitment.
He goes on to add that “City also mantain [a] 20% sell-on clause, matching rights and future control on the player based on his decision.”
There is no suggestion of a buy-back clause at this time, but given his age and having already made a fair few appearances for Pep Guardiola‘s first team, it wouldn’t be beyond the realms of possibility to see him return to the club one day.
Bobb also arrives at Craven Cottage following the exit of multiple wingers and offensive options, including Adama Traore, ex-Man United product Andreas Pereira and Arsenal youngster, Reiss Nelson, whose loan deal has expired and has signed another temporary deal at local rivals, Brentford.
Had it not been for that injury I know he would’ve been class for City for a long time, and let’s not forget that goal v Newcastle pic.twitter.com/inGxi5UjPM
The young Norwegian winger joined the Etihad Campus back in 2023 and went on to contribute a handful of goals and assists, despite limited appearances and some very unfortunate injury issues.
Only seven months ago, his soon-to-be former parent club released a short video charting his return from the sidelines after fracturing his leg – a setback which kept him out for roughly five months.
Plenty of fans have quickly placed him in the so-called ‘what if?’ category of players, and given that he’s still just 22 years old and has already impressed on a number of ocassions for such a big club, we wouldn’t be surprised if he goes on to have a very exciting career.
Can you see the Blues bringing in or letting anyone else go before deadline day?
Danny Jones -
21st March 2023 
