Fulham coach Marco Silva has been charged with misconduct for comments he made following his side’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.
Silva was sent off during the game following a 72nd-minute incident that resulted in United being awarded a penalty by referee Chris Kavanagh.
Speaking to reporters after the match, the Fulham coach had said;
“Our story with Chris Kavanagh this season has been tough for us. Unfortunately, we have been very unlucky with him this season. Many moments. It is difficult to understand some of the decisions. We had that West Ham game away from home [in October]. We lost the game with two clear handball goals and it was Chris Kavanagh in that moment. Today, everyone saw what is happening in this game. It is difficult for them to not look for these things.”
The Football Association has now alleged that Silva’s post-match comments “constitute improper conduct in that they imply bias and/or question the integrity of the match official, and/or bring the game into disrepute”.
45-year-old Silva has until Wednesday, 29 March to provide a response.
This is coming after the Fulham coach was handed a first charge of abusive behaviour towards match officials during the 3-1 quarter-final defeat at Old Trafford. It was alleged that he threw a water bottle in the direction of an assistant referee.
Silva faces a minimum of a significant fine in addition to a likely three-game ban for his touchline behaviour, although FA beaks could add an extra game to the suspension.