Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has been hit with a Football Association (FA) charge following his sending off against Bournemouth.
Maguire was shown a straight red card in Man United’s final game before the international break on March 20 for pulling down Evanilson in the area, conceding a penalty in the process.
The central defender protested his innocence to referee Stuart Atwell before belatedly heading down the tunnel, with Man Utd playing the final 12 minutes plus stoppage time at the Vitality Stadium with a man less.
“The referee’s call of penalty and red card for Maguire for the denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity (DOGSO) was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed to be a holding offence with no attempt to challenge for the ball,” the Premier League match centre said in a statement.
Maguire has now been charged by the FA after it was alleged that he “acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards the fourth official follwing his dismissal”.
Maguire has until April 2 to respond to the charge. If the charge is proven, it remains to be seen the defender will face an extended suspension or a fine.
The England international is set to serve his one-match ban against Leeds after the international break as Man United aim to get back to winning ways after being held to a 2-2 draw by the Cherries.
As things stand, Maguire will be available for selection against Chelsea in a crucial top-four showdown at Stamford Bridge on April 18.
However, if the 33-year-old is punished with an extra game then he could be suspended for the trip to London in what would be a massive blow to head coach Michael Carrick.
