The Manchester United forward scored a stunning goal to lead his team to a 3-2 win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, but his celebration could land him in trouble.
Matheus Cunha immediately after the goal (Image: Sky Sports)
Manchester United star Matheus Cunha could be suspended for using abusive language during a celebration. The Brazilian scored a wonderful late goal at the Emirates Stadium to give United a 3-2 lead over Arsenal.
The forward was heard looking straight into the camera and saying “f****** (inaudible)” after driving away in celebration and being mopped up by team-mates. The goal was United’s deciding goal, continuing their 100 per cent record under caretaker manager Michael Carrick.
Minutes after the celebration, Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury apologized: “If you heard any crazy words during the celebration, we apologize.”
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The FA is known for making exceptions for players taking oaths on camera. In 2011, United legend Wayne Rooney was given a two-match ban for his actions in the Premier League match against West Ham, and Cunha is at risk of receiving a similar punishment.
IFAB’s Game Rules state that players must not use offensive, derogatory or abusive language or behavior. If the referee hears this, the player may be shown a red card.
However, if the referee is not heard, the FA has the power to take retrospective action, especially if the incident is caught on camera and broadcast to a wide audience. The FA considers swearing directly on camera to be “obvious and deliberate” and brings the game into disrepute.
It remains to be seen whether the FA will take retrospective action against Cunha, and if so, how long it will take for a verdict and punishment to be decided.
Matheus Cunha scored a stunning goal as Manchester United beat Arsenal 3-2. (Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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United host Tottenham at Old Trafford next Saturday (12.30pm kick-off). They then travel to face West Ham on February 10 (kick-off 8.15pm).
United’s withdrawal from the FA Cup and Carabao Cup means that Cunha’s suspension will apply in the Premier League, which is the only competition the club currently participates in.
United’s victory moved them above Chelsea into fourth place in the Premier League standings. United currently have 38 points, one point ahead of the Blues on 37, while Liverpool are sixth on 36 points.
If he is suspended, it would not be the first time a United player has been in trouble with the FA. The forward was suspended for extra time and fined £50,000 for his actions in the club’s defeat to Bournemouth while at Wolves last season.
He was shown a straight red card for verbally abusing then-Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkes in the final moments of extra-time in an FA Cup match. He had to be escorted off the pitch and down the tunnel after being sent off.
The suspension saw him miss four games and followed a two-game ban for a clash with Ipswich Town backroom staff earlier in the season.
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