Bruno Fernandes will not face any action from the FA after an incident involving an assistant referee during Sunday’s Premier League game between Liverpool and Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag’s sude conceded six goals the second half in a stunning collapse at the home of their biggest rivals, as United suffered their heaviest defeat since Boxing Day 1931.
During that difficult second half for United, Fernandes, who was at the centre of a number of controversial incicents, appeared to nudge the official in the back near the touchline during Liverpool’s historic victory at Anfield.
The incident was spotted on the field by referee Andy Madley and his assistants, and wasn’t included in their match report.
With Manchester United 5-0 down, Fernandes appears to push the linesman closest to the Kop Stand out of the way as he stepped past him
Referee charity wanted five-game Fernandes ban
Ref Support UK chief executive Martin Cassidy:
“Just like someone doing a Ronaldo celebration or a Cruyff turn, children will mimic what they see on TV.
“We’re talking about a world class official being pushed in the back here. Fernandes behaved like an entitled child.
“The onus is certainly on the FA. They have all the evidence in front of the to send a real strong message across all football that touching a match official in this way is totally unacceptable.
“We believe it should be five games for this.”
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher had his say in the latest Ref Watch, explaining why he thought Fernandes was not punished for touching the assistant referee.
INCIDENT: Fernandes demands for the ball back from Trent Alexander-Arnold to take a throw-in for Manchester United. The midfielder is briefly stopped by the linesman before Fernandes appears to nudge the official in the back as he enters the field of play to go and retrieve the ball.
Source: www.skysports.com
