The Cottagers forward could be handed an extended suspension after being sent off in the FA Cup quarter final defeat at Manchester United on Sunday. The i Newspaper claims the usual three match ban is seen as an “insufficient punishment” by the Football Association, with a lengthier punishment expected to be dealt out.
Mitrovic was shown the red card just seconds after he shoved referee Chris Kavanagh at Old Trafford. The Serbian got right up in the official’s face as he was far from pleased with the decision to send off his teammate Willian for a handball on the goal line. Bruno Fernandes then scored from the spot to equalise for United, bringing the score to 1-1.
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In just moments, Fulham had gone from having a 1-0 lead to going down to nine men on the field. They also lost their manager Marco Silva as he too was brandished a red card for his reaction to the Willian sending off. United went on to win the game 3-1, advancing to the semi final stage to face Brighton & Hove Albion at Wembley Stadium.
Mitrovic’s red could have positive ramifications for Villa, as there is a game penned in for April 25 between the two sides. This will be the fifth fixture since Mitrovic’s sending off, meaning he will not be available to play at Villa Park if his suspension gets extended to five matches or more.
Any absence, let alone the length, will hit Fulham hard as he is their clear top scorer with 11 goals in 21 Premier League appearances this campaign. Not only would not facing Mitrovic make things easier for Villa when they play The Cottagers, but the impact of having such a key player out could close the gap between the two teams in the league standings.