A year ago
Fans were left confused after Bruno Fernandes and Aleksandar Mitrovic's clashes with officials were handled differently when the Fulham striker was sent off during the match against Manchester United.
Aleksandar Mitrovic shoves referee Chris Kavanagh in a failed moment on Sunday
Aleksandar Mitrovic shoves referee Chris Kavanagh in a failed moment on Sunday
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has explained why Aleksandar Mitrovic received a red card for pushing the referee when Bruno Fernandes escaped the penalty.
Fulham striker Mitrovic took the order on Sunday after shoving referee Chris Kavanagh during the 1-3 loss to Manchester United. The Serb has reacted harshly after being angered by Kavanagh's decision to send off team-mate Willian for a handball.
When Fulham fell in front of nine men and conceded three goals to be knocked out of the FA Cup, many fans called it a 'double standard', as United captain Fernandes also pushed the referee in the 0-7 loss. against Liverpool recently.
But Gallagher dismissed these comparisons, noting the difference between "temperance" and outright aggression. Speaking on Sky Sports News, Gallagher said:
"I said at the time that I don't approve of what Fernandes did. I don't think it's wise to touch a match referee.
"However, I don't think it was aggressive. It was a temper tantrum from Fernandes, and he could easily get a yellow card for that. People will accept that. The Fulham striker received a direct red card for assaulting the referee
The Fulham striker received a direct red card for assaulting the referee
"But I still don't think the Fernandes incident was a red card, but the Mitrovic incident.
"I don't think there's any player looking at the Fernandes incident and thinking 'oh, that gives me the right to do that' - I can't imagine that for a second. Those are two complete situations. No player should have finished, which he did, but [Mitrovic] has gone too far.
“Last week we talked about Bruno Fernandes when I thought it wasn't a red card, but I said I don't tolerate anyone touching the referee. However, in this case, I think it's much more aggressive. He grabbed the referee and pulled him back.
Bruno Fernandes pushed the assistant referee in the match against Liverpool
Bruno Fernandes pushed the assistant referee in the match against Liverpool
"I think Chris Kavanagh has done an absolutely fantastic job for himself and the referees in general because he has always kept his composure.
"He didn't react or get carried away. He kept his cool and I really admire him. He stands up for what the referees stand for.
Mitrovic could receive a heavy ban for extreme behavior instead of the usual three-match ban for receiving a direct red card.
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