Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha could face a ban after swearing directly into a camera during his goal celebration in the 3-2 win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The Brazilian scored a stunning late winner, and as he celebrated, he was heard saying 'f****** (inaudible)' while looking straight into the lens.
Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury issued an apology moments later, saying: 'If you heard some mad language among the celebrations we apologise.' The incident has drawn attention to FA rules, which prohibit offensive, insulting, or abusive language. If a referee hears such language, a red card can be shown; if not, the FA can take retrospective action, especially when caught on camera and broadcast widely.
The FA has previously punished players for similar conduct. In 2011, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney received a two-match ban for swearing into a camera during a Premier League match against West Ham. The FA views such actions as 'clear and deliberate' and capable of bringing the game into disrepute.
Cunha's potential ban would be served in the Premier League, as United have been eliminated from the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. This is not the first time the forward has faced FA disciplinary action. Last season, while at Wolves, he was banned for four games and fined £50,000 for lashing out at Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez in an FA Cup tie. Earlier that season, he also served a two-match suspension for clashing with Ipswich Town backroom staff.
United's win lifted them above Chelsea into fourth place in the Premier League table with 38 points. They next face Tottenham at Old Trafford on Saturday, followed by a trip to West Ham on 10 February. It remains to be seen whether the FA will take retrospective action against Cunha and how quickly a verdict will be reached.
