Manchester United playmaker Matheus Cunha could face a ban after a foul-mouthed outburst during his celebrations against Arsenal.
The Red Devils proved they are no push overs as they defeated Arsenal 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening. Cunha scored the decisive third goal for Michael Carrick’s team but could now miss the next match.
Following his stunning winning goal, Cunha wheeled away in celebrations and was mobbed by teammates, before looking straight into the camera and can be heard saying “f****** (inaudible)”.
Matheus Cunha celebrates scoring the wining goal against Arsenal. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
In the minutes after the celebration, Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury issued an apology, by saying: “If you heard some mad language among the celebrations we apologise.”
The FA have been known to take exception to players swearing directly down the camera.
In 2011, United legend Wayne Rooney was banned for two games for doing so during the Premier League match vs West Ham, Cunha therefore risks the same sort of punishment.
Cunha scores United’s third goal against Arsenal . (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
The IFAB Laws of the game states that players must not use offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or actions. If a referee hears, then players can be shown a red card.
However, if a referee doesn’t hear then the FA has the power to take retrospective action, especially if the incident is caught on camera and is broadcast to a wide audience. The FA views swearing directly into a camera as ‘clear and deliberate’ and something which brings the game into disrepute.
It’s still unclear if the FA will take retrospective action against Cunha, and if they do, how long it will take for the verdict and punishment to be decided.
With United out of all domestic cup competition, Cunha will miss Premier League matches if the FA decides to take action.
United are next in action next Saturday when they host Tottenham at Old Trafford. The Red Devils win over Arsenal lift them above Chelsea and into fourth place in the Premier League table.
