Manchester United have been handed a £20,00 fine by the Football Association after admitting they ‘'failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in orderly fashion' v Brighton '.
The charge comes after several players surrounded referee Peter Bankes demanding Lewis Dunk be shown a red card during the second half of their 2-0 win at Old Trafford last week.
Dunk was ultimately given his marching orders after a VAR check, but a statement released by the FA has confirmed United have accepted the standard penalty.
The FA statement, released on Tuesday afternoon reads: “Manchester United FC has been fined £20,000 for a breach of FA Rule E20.1 that took place at its Premier League against Brighton and Hove Albion FC on Tuesday, 15 February 2022
“Manchester United FC admitted failing to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 53rd minute and accepted the standard penalty.”
The flashpoint occurred shortly after the break and just moments following United's opening goal, which was scored by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Brighton centre back Dunk was penalised for a foul on Anthony Elanga, although Bankes initially felt Adam Webster was a covering defender.
However, the challenge sparked a furious reaction from United players with several stars, including Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, surrounding the on-field official demanding that Dunk was shown a red.
The decision was subsequently changed after the VAR advised him to check the pitchside monitor, but the conduct of the United players left a sour taste in the mouth of Brighton boss Graham Potter.
Speaking after the defeat, Potter questioned the process to reverse the decision and said both Bankes and VAR Jarred Gillett needed to be stronger.
"It was a yellow card live, Webster was there on the cover. It is not clear and obvious. I don’t understand the intervention," he said.
Asked about the pressure from United's players on Bankes, Potter said: "Asking the question you are answering the question. I don’t blame them, I am not being critical, it is what it is.
"They have to do their bit for the team but you need the referee and VAR to make the calls independently."
Fernandes was booked for his vociferous reaction, whilst captain Harry Maguire was also seen charging from his centre-back position to protest.
