Football Association hands eight-match ban to Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 04 April 2023

FA hands eight-match ban to Fulham forward Mitrovic

The Football Association hands an eight-match ban to Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh.

The Football Association has handed an eight-match ban to Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic.

In the FA Cup quarter-final with Manchester United on March 19, Fulham were leading 1-0 when Willian was sent off for handball on the goalline.

Both manager Marco Silva and Mitrovic were left incensed, the latter becoming increasingly aggressive towards referee Chris Kavanagh before inexplicably pushing the official.

The Serbia international, who had to be restrained by teammates and members of the club's backroom staff, was sent off, as was Silva for his actions on the touchline.

Silva and Mitrovic have each recently delivered public apologies, the latter saying: "I regret my actions that led to me being sent off. I allowed my frustration to get the better of me, and how I reacted was wrong.

Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic and Willian react after being shown red cards by referee Chris Kavanagh on March 19, 2023 © Reuters

"I was trying to get the referee's attention, but I appreciate that I should not have put my hands on him and I understand why he showed me a red card, my first in-game sending off for Fulham and my first since the 2015-16 season."

Mitrovic added that he would accept the subsequent punishment which would follow, the FA already stating that it would be longer than a standard three-match ban.

On Tuesday evening, it was revealed that Mitrovic would serve an eight-game suspension, one of those fixtures already being served last weekend.

Silva, who has already recently served a touchline ban, will also be prevented from spending a further two fixtures in the dugout.

Fulham manager Marco Silva reacts on March 19, 2023 © Reuters

The Portuguese was charged with a number of offences, including improper conduct, improper behaviour and abusing match officials.

While Mitrovic's extended absence from the Fulham squad was expected, it remains a huge blow to a team that have lost their last four matches in all competitions.

Mitrovic is scheduled to miss matches against West Ham United, Everton, Leeds United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Leicester City.

As it stands, the club's leading marksman will return for the trip to Southampton on May 13.