Fulham are concerned Aleksandar Mitrovic will not receive a fair trial amid the outrage at his actions in Sunday’s FA Cup meltdown against Manchester United.
There is concern inside the London club that after seeing their striker charged by the FA for shoving referee Chris Kavanagh at Old Trafford, the panel overseeing Mitrovic’s case will be swayed by calls for a significant ban, including one from Paul Field, the president of the Referees’ Association.
Sources at Fulham say they feel the reaction has been unfair, pointing out that other players have gone unpunished for similar behaviour, including Bruno Fernandes for pushing assistant Adam Nunn in United’s 7-0 loss at Liverpool.
Mitrovic was red-carded by Kavanagh but the FA have said the standard three-game suspension is ‘clearly insufficient’.
Fulham have until 5pm on Wednesday to file their written defence against the FA’s allegations, though they can request an extension.
Aleksandar Mitrovic (centre) is facing a long ban after shoving referee Chris Kavanagh (left)
The Fulham striker was shown a red card for confronting the official at Old Trafford on Sunday
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Some have suggested the FA use Mitrovic to send a message amid a rise in referee abuse
It is thought Fulham will point to a lack of action against Bruno Fernandes (above) as mitigation against a lengthy ban for Mitrovic