Fulham duo issue apology for their behaviour in FA Cup defeat at Manchester United

Fulham head coach Marco Silva and striker Aleksandar Mitrovic have both apologised to referee Chris Kavanagh after the duo were sent off in the 3-1 FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Manchester United before the international break.

Mitrovic was shown a straight red card for pushing Kavanagh after the referee awarded United, who were 1-0 down at this point, a penalty in the 72nd minute. Willian was sent off for handling the ball on the goal-line.

Silva was then handed his marching orders after the Brazilian winger and top goalscorer Mitrovic were issued with reds.

The Portuguese boss has also been charged for comments he made to the media post-match.

Mitrovic will start his suspension tomorrow, when the Whites head to AFC Bournemouth. He is expected to be handed a lengthier ban for his conduct at Old Trafford.

The Serbian forward released a statement. It said: “I have been away with my national team and have had some time to reflect on the Manchester United match. As everyone knows, it was a very emotional one, in which the team gave absolutely everything on the pitch to try to reach the semi-final of the FA Cup.

“On a personal level, I regret my actions that led to me being sent off. I allowed my frustration to get the better of me, and how I reacted was wrong. I was trying to get the referee’s attention, but I appreciate that I should not have put my hands on him and I understand why he showed me a red card, my first in-game sending off for Fulham and my first since the 2015-16 season.

“I have accepted the three-match ban for my red card. I have spoken to Chris Kavanagh to apologise, and I have volunteered to accept a club fine. I now want to do what I can to put this incident behind me and get back to helping my team-mates on the pitch as soon as possible.

“In the meantime, I would like to reiterate my regret that this happened.

“I have already said sorry to my team-mates, but I would also like to apologise to the Fulham fans, particularly those who travelled to Old Trafford to support us and who did not stop singing all game. I hope to be back soon and repay their faith and support.”

Silva also released a statement, adding: “Emotions were high at Old Trafford and, as I said in my press conference after the game, I should have controlled my own emotions better. It was a very difficult moment, in a match that we had dominated, but I could have handled the situation better.

“I regret what happened, and I have spoken to Chris Kavanagh to apologise. He knows that I respect him and the job he has to do.

“Unfortunately, we did not see eye-to-eye on the day, but I recognise that he is one of the top referees in this country and I know that, when our paths cross again, there will be mutual respect between us.

“I am sorry that I was not on the pitch to try to lead the team to what could have been an historic FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, but I am thankful for all the support I have received from Fulham fans over the last few days.”