Manchester United have been charged by the FA after their players surrounded an official during the FA Cup win over Fulham.
The moment in question is when Willian's handball denied Jadon Sancho a clear equaliser after Fulham had taken the lead through Aleksandar Mitrovic. Several United players surrounded Chris Kavanagh to remonstrate what they had seen.
The referee initially did not see the incident but was asked by VAR to inspect the pitchside monitor. After doing so Kavanagh pointed to the spot and issued Willian a straight red.
Now it seems the enthusiastic appeals from United for a penalty went too far; with the FA alleging that the club failed to ensure the players conducted themselves in a proper fashion.
A statement from the FA read: "Manchester United has been charged after its players surrounded a match official during the 71st minute of the FA Cup tie against Fulham on Sunday 19 March. It's alleged that Manchester United failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or do not behave in a way which is improper. Manchester United has until Monday 27 March to respond."
The drama didn't stop there with boss Marco Silva also given his marching orders as Kavanagh went to the monitor. And just when two red cards aren't enough, Mitrovic decided to get himself sent off as well.
The striker, visibly incandescent with rage at the decision, gave the referee both verbal barrels and a push. That was enough for the Serbian to see straight red also.
The FA have also since confirmed they have charged both Mitrovic and Silva.
A statement released on Monday night read: "Fulham, Marco Silva and Aleksandar Mitrović have been charged following the incidents that took place in or around the 72nd minute of their tie against Manchester United in The FA Cup on Sunday 19 March.
"It’s alleged that Marco Silva used abusive and/or insulting words and/or gestures and/or behaviour towards the match referee; that he used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official prior to his dismissal; and that he also used abusive and/or insulting words and/or gestures and/or behaviour towards the fourth official after being sent off.
"It’s further alleged that in throwing a water bottle in the direction of the assistant referee his behaviour was improper."
What punishment is dished out to Mitrovic still remains to be seen with former referee Mark Halsey urging the FA to slap him with a 10-game ban.
He told The Sun: "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."
