FA charges Marco Silva over comments made against referee Chris Kavanagh

FA charges Marco Silva over comments made against referee Chris Kavanagh

FA charges Marco Silva over comments made against referee Chris Kavanagh

Stephen Oladehinde 15:49 - 27.03.2023

The Football Association has charged Fulham manager Marco Silva for his remarks about referee Chris Kavanagh following the FA Cup quarter-final loss to Manchester United.

The game started differently, with the first half being less productive until the second half when Fulham took the lead and opened the game up. The last 15 minutes of the game became tense as Willian handled the ball in the box to prevent a Manchester United equaliser. 

This incident caused many controversial decisions as the referee Chris Kavanagh branded two red cards to Willian and Mitrovic for a handball and for shoving the referee. Fulham later lost the game in the 96th minute of added time.

Marco Silva charged over comments

Silva objected to Chris Kavanagh's decision to award United a penalty for Willian's handball on the line, but the referee opted to dismiss him for his actions. After pointing to the spot, Kavanagh also sent off Willian before awarding a third red card in a matter of seconds as Aleksandar Mitrovic grabbed the referee’s arm.

At the news conference following the game, Silva expressed his displeasure with Kavanagh's decisions, saying: "Our story with Chris Kavanagh this season has been really tough as a football club.

“Before the match, we didn’t mention anything to the players, it’s the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, let’s go to do our best to play the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

“That was our goal and I think we showed that in 75 minutes, but they know as well he was the referee for that game at West Ham when we lost with two clear handball goals, it was Chris Kavanagh in that moment. This afternoon everyone saw what happened.

“Of course in all moments we should control the emotions but we are human beings.”

FA makes final decision on Marco Silva

The Football Association took up the matter after the game and made necessary investigations before making a decision regarding the incidents. Silva has now been charged by the FA for poor conduct.

With a statement from the FA spokesperson Twitter feed reading: “Fulham’s Marco Silva has been charged with misconduct for comments that he made in a press conference after The FA Cup tie against Manchester United on Sunday, March 19.

“It’s alleged that his comments constitute improper conduct in that they imply bias and/or question the integrity of the match official, and/or bring the game into disrepute.”

Regarding his actions before, during, and after being sent off, Silva had already been charged with a number of offences. The FA stated that the standard punishment of a three-match suspension would be clearly insufficient.

Fulham are also waiting on Mitrovic's punishment. Marco Silva has until Wednesday to respond to this latest charge.

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