Manchester United have been fined £65,000 by the Football Association after accepting a charge relating to an incident in the second half of last month's 3-1 FA Cup quarter-final win over Fulham at Old Trafford.
The charge related to United's players surrounding referee Chris Kavanagh as they appealed for a penalty after Willian had handled Jadon Sancho's shot on the line. Fulham had been the better side for much of the contest and had taken the lead five minutes into the second half through Aleksandar Mitrovic.
However, the contest boiled over in a dramatic 40-second spell that saw manager Marco Silva, Mitrovic and Willian sent off after protesting the decision that saw United given a spot-kick. Silva was dismissed for his touchline protests during a VAR check, Willian was dismissed for handling the ball on the line and Mitrovic was sent-off for leading the protests and shoving referee Kavanagh.
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No United players, at the time, were punished for their protests, but the club was charged a few days later for the manner in which they appealed the decision and pleaded with Kavanagh to point to the spot. It has now been confirmed by the FA that United have accepted the charge and have subsequently been hit with a financial penalty.
A statement issued by the FA on Thursday afternoon said: "Manchester United FC has been fined £65,000 after its players surrounded a match official during the 71st minute of their tie against Fulham FC in the FA Cup on Sunday, March 19, 2023.
"The club admitted that it failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and do not behave in a way which is improper.
"Manchester United FC's fine was imposed by an independent Regulatory Commission following a subsequent hearing."
Earlier this week, the FA announced that Mitrovic had been awarded a lengthy eight-game ban for his involvement in the chaos that unfolded. Cottagers boss Silva was also hit with a two-game touchline ban.
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