Leeds United and their relegation rivals could be set for a big boost to their Premier League survival chances after Aleksandar Mitrovic's three-match ban is believed to be deemed 'insufficient' by the FA.
The Serbian international was shown a straight red card in a moment of madness when he pushed referee Chris Kavanagh following his decision to send off Mitrovic's teammate Willian for an obvious handball on the goal line in their 3-1 loss to Manchester United in the F.A Cup quarter-final.
But the Fulham striker continued to berate the official, shoving his finger in his face and shouted at him for over 30 seconds before being dragged away by his teammates and coaches down the tunnel at Old Trafford.
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His automatic three-match ban would see him miss games against Bournemouth, West Ham and Everton - all three of which are within two points of Leeds in the league table.
But with Mitrovic's potential return coming against Javi Gracia's side on April 25th after his ban, Leeds could be in for their own boost if he's handed a longer sentence.
Former referee Mark Halsey told the Sun that he believes that Mitrovic should be facing at least a 10-match ban to make it clear to players that they can't bully the officials, saying: "In some ways, Silva was to blame for Mitrovic's action - managers have got to set an example.
"Mitrovic has technically assaulted Kavanagh by shoving his elbow into him and has then gone at the official with a volley of abuse. The FA have a duty of care to referees and we cannot have this at any level of football.
"They have to set an example by sanctioning Mitrovic heavily and I would expect both clubs to be charged with failing to control their players."
Fulham boss Marco Silva, who was also sent off, has admitted while he understands the referee's decision, he wants 'fairness' in Mitrovic's ban, claiming: "I didn't see in a so, so bad way. He pushed the referee and Mitrovic should control his emotions.
"I saw the image and I will speak with him. But I hope the people who are going to decide do so with fairness that the moment deserves."
Mitrovic has been one of Fulham's best players this season, having netted 11 times in the league season, and if Leeds were to travel down to Craven Cottage without the prospect of having to deal with him, it'd make life a lot easier for the Whites.
It'd also be unfortunate for Gracia's side to have their drop zone rivals escape the potential of a Mitrovic game-changing moment, while they have to deal with one themselves in one of the closest relegation battles in years.
Whether the FA will opt for a longer ban or not, it'd only need to be at least four matches to see the Serbian miss out against Leeds - something every Whites fan would be happy with.
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