Manuel Ugarte could face a retrospective lawsuit from the Football Association over his role in the brawl on the pitch during Manchester United’s dramatic FA Cup triumph over Arsenal on Sunday.
The excitement boiled over midway through the second half when Arsenal were awarded a penalty for Harry Maguire’s alleged foul on Kai Havertz, who was furious at the decision. United’s anger escalated into a multi-player brawl, centered on Ugarte and Havertz.
Havertz ended up on the floor after a collision with Ugarte, who appeared to push his head towards him Arsenal forward. Although the contact was minimal, the FA will have to examine Ugarte’s intentions.
As VAR was not in operation – the system will not be used until the fifth round of the FA Cup – Ugarte’s action was not reviewed and it seems that it was missed by the referee on the field, who did not show the midfielder a yellow card.
Havertz, who was also spotted with his arm around Ugarte’s neck, was shown a yellow card, suggesting the referee had followed the German’s actions and awarded what he felt was an appropriate penalty.
If Ugarte’s alleged header was missed, it could trigger an investigation that could lead to a suspension for the summer signing, who won United fans in recent weeks with his ruthless attitude during matches.
“When we have the ball, it’s a game, and when we don’t, it’s a fight,” Ugarte wrote on social media after the game. “Let’s continue like this always together.”
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