Matheus Cunha in danger of Man Utd ban for incident during Arsenal win | Football | Sport

Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha could be facing a potential suspension following his reaction after scoring to give United a 3-2 win against Arsenal in the Premier League. Cunha entered the match as a substitute for United, helping Michael Carrick’s side regain the lead at the Emirates Stadium with a stunning 87th-minute finish from distance. Following Mikel Merino’s equaliser to make it 2-2, Cunha struck a curling effort into the bottom corner following excellent build-up play from Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.

Whilst celebrating with the away supporters in the corner, Cunha seized the camera and appeared to shout something into the lens. Whilst the exact words from the Brazilian remain unclear, they appear to have contained profanity. Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury was compelled to issue an apology for Cunha’s expletive-laden celebration. “If you heard some bad language in among the celebrations, for that we apologise,” he stated.

Under The Football Association (FA) regulations, “offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures” warrant a sending-off offence. The guidelines additionally specify that the FA possesses authority to implement retrospective disciplinary measures when incidents are captured on camera and transmitted to a substantial viewership.

Directing profanity straight into a camera lens constitutes a “clear and deliberate” breach of conduct that damages the reputation of the sport. Back in 2011, Wayne Rooney was slapped with a two-match ban after he was caught swearing on camera at West Ham United.

The incident occurred during the 4-2 victory at Upton Park and the Football Association didn’t hesitate to impose a significant penalty.

In addition to a two-game suspension, Rooney was charged with “use of offensive, insulting and/or abusive language” after completing his hat-trick in front of the away end.

Rooney expressed his disappointment through a statement released by his spokesman: “I am gutted to miss two matches, one of which is an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. I am not the first player to have sworn on TV and I won’t be the last.

“Unlike others who have been caught swearing on camera, I apologised immediately. And yet I am the only person banned for swearing. That doesn’t seem right.

“Whatever, I have to accept that what’s happened has happened and move on from here. That is what I intend to do.”