Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and manager Marco Silva have apologised personally to referee Chris Kavanagh for their behaviour during the recent FA Cup tie with Manchester United.
Former Everton boss Silva and Serbia star Mitrovic were sent off for their remonstrations during the 3-1 quarter-final defeat to United at Old Trafford. The former reacted angrily on the touchline after United were awarded a penalty while the latter was also shown a red card after appearing to push the match official in the aftermath.
Both Everton and Liverpool are due to face the Cottagers upon the return of the Premier League from the international break. The Blues welcome Fulham to Goodison Park on April 15 while the Reds are at home to the same opponents in a rearranged game on May 3. Both Silva and Mitrovic could well be banned for those matches after the incidents against United.
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"I have been away with my national team and have had some time to reflect on the Manchester United match," said Mitrovic on Wednesday. "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 was charged with abusive behaviour toward match officials while Mitrovic was charged with violent and improper conduct.
Silva, who was sacked by Everton in 2019, added: "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 a 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."
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