Fulham's Mitrovic, Silva Hit With Charges Over Gross Misconduct

Fulham's frontman Aleksandar Mitrovic and head coach Marco Silva have been charged by the Football Association (FA) for throwing caution to the wind in Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final match against Manchester United.

Fulham lost the match 3-1 after they were reduced to nine men by referee Chris Kavanagh. 

Willian got sent off for a deliberate handball on the line while Mitrovic was dismissed for attempting to grab the referee's arm during a chaotic couple of minutes.

Silva equally wasn't spared by Kavanagh as he was sent to the stands for his untoward behaviour on the touchline.

"Fulham, Marco Silva and Aleksandar Mitrovic have been charged following the incidents that took place in or around the 72nd minute of their tie against Manchester United in the FA Cup on Sunday 19 March," an FA statement reads.

The gaffer was charged with abusive behaviour towards match officials and will also face an improper conduct charge for allegedly throwing a water bottle in the direction of the assistant referee.

"It is alleged that Marco Silva used abusive and/or insulting words and/or gestures and/or behaviour towards the match referee; that he used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official prior to his dismissal; and that he also used abusive and/or insulting words and/or gestures and/or behaviour towards the fourth official after being sent off.

"It is further alleged that in throwing a water bottle in the direction of the assistant referee his behaviour was improper," they said.

On Mitrovic, they noted that the Serbian striker is facing a lengthy ban as the "standard punishment" that applies to receiving a straight red card is "clearly insufficient" in his case.

"The FA has claimed that the standard punishment which would otherwise apply to Aleksandar Mitrovic for the sending off offence of violent conduct that he committed towards the match referee is clearly insufficient.

"In addition, Aleksandar Mitrovic's behaviour and/or language was allegedly improper and/or abusive and/or insulting and/or threatening following his dismissal," they continued.

The FA concluded its statement by charging Fulham for failing to "ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion."