Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic is facing a lengthy ban after the Football Association said its standard punishment for his sending off at Manchester United was “clearly insufficient”.
After receiving a straight red card for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh during Sunday’s 3-1 FA Cup quarter-final defeat, the striker has been charged with violent and improper conduct.
Manager Marco Silva has also been charged with being abusive to match officials.
Silva, the Fulham manager, will also face an improper conduct charge for allegedly throwing a water bottle at the assistant referee.
In addition, the club has been charged with failing to control its players during the Old Trafford match.
After receiving a straight red card for violent conduct, a player is usually suspended for three matches, but that ban can be extended depending on the circumstances.
Paolo di Canio was banned for 11 games in 1998 for shoving referee Paul Alcock while playing for Sheffield Wednesday against Arsenal in the Premier League.
“The standard punishment that would otherwise apply to Aleksandar Mitrovic for the sending-off offence of violent conduct committed against the match referee is clearly insufficient,” the FA said in a statement.
“In addition, following his dismissal, Aleksandar Mitrovic’s behavior and/or language were allegedly improper, abusive, insulting, and/or threatening.”
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has called for Serbian frontman Mitrovic, 28, to be given a 10-match ban, but manager Silva appealed for “fairness” from the FA.
Fulham’s 12-goal top scorer had put his team ahead of United early in the second half.
But he was sent off in the 72nd minute after the hosts were awarded a penalty following a VAR check, which also resulted in Brazil winger Willian being sent off for a deliberate handball on the line.
Kavanagh also ejected boss Silva from the field for his actions on the touchline as the referee walked past him to check the pitchside monitor.
“It is alleged that Marco Silva used abusive and/or insulting words, gestures, and/or behavior 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, gestures, and/or behavior towards the fourth official after being sent off,” according to an FA statement.
“It is also alleged that his behavior was improper when he threw a water bottle at the assistant referee.”