Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 05/04/23...

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Results

Tuesday
Bournemouth	0-2	Brighton
Leeds	2-1	Forest
Leicester	1-2	Villa
Chelsea	0-0	Liverpool

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Fulham lost £69m in 2021/2022 accounts
Fulham lost a total of around £69m pre-player sales according to their 2021/22 accounts, which were filed with Companies House yesterday.

The accounts, covering the last financial year when Fulham were in the Championship, detailed that player sales reduced that loss by approximately £12m but the rest of the figures were affected by the club's relegation from the Premier League the previous season. The club's total income declined by 39% to £71m and, although wages fell by 21%, they still reached a Championship record of £90m. Chairman Shahid Khan invested another £116.5m over the course of the financial year, which was converted to shares.


https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/04/fulham-lost-69m-in-2021-2022-accounts/

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Opinion: QPR should snap up Fulham free agent if they beat the drop this season

QPR have a huge summer transfer window ahead of them, whether they remain in the Championship or not.

Just three points separate QPR and the drop zone as things stand. The R's are in a very perilous position right now and with seven games to go, they have it all to play for. Gareth Ainsworth is the man in charge and he and the QPR officials have a huge summer ahead, whether they're eventually gearing up for a League One or a Championship campaign.

Fans, although at a loss with current proceedings, won't give up hope of Championship survival this season. And if they remain in the Championship ahead of next season then QPR will certainly need a lot of new arrivals, with a lot of players looking set to leave in the summer.

The R's attacking department will need bolstering quite heavily in the summer, and one suitable player, based not too far from Loftus Road as it goes, is Fulham's Neeskens Kebano. The wide-man, capable of playing in a number of roles in attack, sees his Fulham contract expire in the summer, and with the Cottagers flying high in the Premier League it looks like fan favourite Kebano could be let go.

The 31-year-old is currently sidelined with a longer-term injury, but he featured 12 times in the Premier League earlier on in the season and he managed to rack up four assists – last time round he played a key role in Fulham's promotion from the Championship, featuring 40 times whilst scoring nine and assisting six. Kebano is expected to be back in training before the summer.

QPR have raided Fulham in the past, bringing in Stefan Johansen from their west London neighbours. Kebano would be another shrewd signing for the R's and for Kebano, it could be a very suitable move given his current location.

QPR are set to see Jamal Lowe return to Bournemouth in the summer, whilst names like Ilias Chair and Chris Willock will surely have transfer interest, and they may be inclined to leave after this torrid 2022/23 season, so versatile attacking players will definitely be something on Ainsworth's transfer wishlist heading into the summer.



https://the72.co.uk/2023/04/04/opinion-qpr-should-snap-up-fulham-free-agent-if-they-beat-the-drop-this-season/

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Owner invests £677m in Fulham

Kieran Maguire reports on Fulham's 2021/22 accounts.

Income was down 39% to £71m.  Wages  down 21% to £90m. Championship record average weekly wage £42k. Losses pre player sales £69m. Total losses over years £563m. Player purchases £24m. Player sales £24m. Borrowings from owner in year £116m. Total owner investment £677m.

Revenue down following relegation. Losses down from £93m made in Premier League* previous season to £69m Player sale profits reduced losses by £12m.

Owner Shahid Khan lent £116.5m in year which was converted to shares.

Broadcasting money more than halved from £105m to £51m. Ticket sales up following end of lockdown.

Fulham spent £24m on players and over £30m on the stadium redevelopment in 21/22.  Fulham have bought players for £78.8m since promotion and had sale profits of £7.4m.

Wages down following relegation but still a record for Championship.   Higher than a couple of Premier League clubs.


https://footballeconomyv2.blogspot.com/2023/04/owner-invests-677m-in-fulham.html

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Chelsea: Blues targeting move for Marco Silva

The Fulham manager has emerged as a surprise target at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are targeting a surprise move for Fulham manager Marco Silva, according to reports.

What's the latest manager news at Chelsea?
On Sunday, Todd Boehly gave Graham Potter his marching orders following an underwhelming season of form and results, meaning that the owner now has to enter the market to find the 47-year-old's long-term successor.

The Blues reportedly made an approach for Mauricio Pochettino during an earlier period of uncertainty, while they were claimed to be admirers of Zinedine Zidane and Roberto De Zerbi. Elsewhere, they have most recently made contact with Bayern Munich's former boss, Julian Nagelsmann.

Portuguese Silva is currently in charge at Fulham, with his contract at Craven Cottage not set to expire until next summer, but with his team in the top half of the table and one place higher than the Blues, he has caught the eye of the hierarchy.

According to The Mirror, Silva has "emerged" as a surprising candidate and is "in contention" to take over in the dugout at Chelsea. The SW6 boss has "admirers" on the board and is seen as a possible "left-field appointment". Nagelsmann is, at this stage, the club's number one target whilst Pochettino is also "under consideration", but the 45-year-old is now additionally on their radar.

 Would Silva be the right fit for Chelsea?
Olympiacos midfielder Pajtim Kasami was previously full of praise for Silva, who he worked under during his time in the Greek Super League, stating: "He devotes a lot of time to the details. He is very intelligent tactically. He is like a genius." However, he may not be an ideal candidate for Chelsea.

The Cottagers boss may have picked up four trophies throughout his career and transformed the Whites into a top-performing side this season, but collectively, he has never been able to properly establish himself in the Premier League. Over the course of his spells at Hull City, Watford, Everton and Fulham, he has lost 55 of his 123 games in charge, winning 43, drawing 25 and averaging just 1.25 points per match - form which isn't good or consistent enough to be given the responsibility of managing a club like the Blues (Transfermarkt).

With all due respect, Silva hasn't yet been in charge of a club the calibre and size of Chelsea, just like Potter hadn't when he made the step up from Brighton, so this would be a move that would be too much of a risk to take, with the owner better off targeting a more experienced and successful replacement to succeed the former boss.



https://www.footballfancast.com/chelsea-marco-silva-fulham-premier-league/

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How Bernd Leno bolstered Fulham's Premier League credentials
Lauding Fulham's goalkeeper after a gutting loss at Bournemouth might strike some as strange timing, but Bernd Leno deserves some praise. Not only was the German international one of the bargains of the summer – a reminder that Fulham stole him from Arsenal for a mere £3m – but he has played a pivotal part in ensuring that the defeat at Dean Court on Saturday wasn't too damaging. Marco Silva's men had amassed 39 points by the middle of March, which is astonishing when you consider that Fulham have spent their last three top flight seasons down amongst the deadmen, meaning that they are mercifully free of this season's desperately dramatic relegation dogfight.

Great goalkeepers make a massive difference to any team. We have seen this in recent seasons at the Cottage, even if the excellence of Alphonse Areola wasn't enough to keep Scott Parker's overly-defensive side afloat. Each iteration of a strong Fulham side among the English elite has had an outstanding number one. Jean Tigana shocked the footballing world by exploiting Edwin van der Sar's demotion at Juventus and the Whites were able to establish themselves as a Premiership outfit. Roy Hodgson followed the Great Escape by signing Mark Schwarzer from Middlesbrough on a free transfer and the club's highest ever finish and a European final followed. Leno still has some way to go to match those two titans – but he has made a superb start.

Leno had to wait for his chance to impress at Craven Cottage – and Marek Rodak might justifiably think himself unfortunate to have lost his place after keeping a clean sheet at Wolves on the hottest day of the season back in August. But nobody can question the soundness of Silva's decision to switch his keepers. The experienced custodian has made more than a century of saves in the Premier League this season and his consistency has been crucial in ensuring that Fulham's adherence to an adventurous style of play, even in their own defensive third, has not been more costly. The capture of Joao Palhinha has been belatedly hailed by the pundits as they have awoken to the Portuguese midfielder's magnificence, but Leno's arrival was just as vital to Fulham's fortunes.

Leno's distribution also aids Silva's penchant for pretty possession as he is far more comfortable with the ball at his feet than Rodak. That is a pre-requisite for the modern goalkeeper, but the former Stuttgart and Bayer Leverkusen number one has chiefly proven his worth with a series of superb saves. No Premier League goalkeeper has made more saves in his own penalty area that Leno, who took this number to an extraordinary 78 from 26 appearances on the south coast on Saturday. Such stellar form has clearly caught the eye of eager observers in his homeland as Fulham's first choice keeper was recalled to the Germany set-up for the first time in three years by Hansi Flick last month.

He is also clearly a leader in the dressing room. Vocal both on the field and off it, Leno's character made him a popular member of the Arsenal squad, even if he eventually had to move across the capital in order to get first-team football having been usurped by Aaron Ramsdale at the Emirates. He is a winner – as evidenced by his disagreement with Aleskandar Mitrovic in the aftermath of a frustrating draw with Everton back in the autumn – and that experience and intelligence has been a massive benefit for a Fulham squad that has been bereft of that knowhow in previous campaigns. We hope there's much more to come from Craven Cottage's own BFG.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/04/how-bernd-leno-bolstered-fulhams-premier-league-credentials/

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'You don't have to leave' – Player reveals how Fulham transfer happened, amazing goal nearly ruined everything

Italian striker Stefano Okaka has revealed how a back-heel goal against Siena in 2010 almost scuppered a last-minute move to Fulham.

The forward has been speaking to Cronache di Spogliatoio about his career to date and various events in it during his time in multiple countries.

The 33-year-old started his career with Roma in Italy as a youngster but has gone on to play for the likes of Fulham, Parma, Sampdoria, Anderlecht, Watford, Udinese and now Basaksehir.

His move to Craven Cottage came early on his career, with him joining them on loan in January 2010 until the end of the season.

He was a regular for the club in that short spell, though, bagging three goals in 13 appearances before returning to Roma that summer.

That was a move which was a big one for him to make at that stage in his career and he admits it nearly never happened after he scored a superb backheel goal in a late win over Siena.

"That day I was supposed to go to Fulham to get some Premier League experience even though I was 17," he said.

"But coach Ranieri wasn't convinced to leave me out because if we won, we could go first or second in the table, I can't remember, so I went on the bench and then I would leave in the evening.

"We were 1-1 and he told me to come in. Then I scored that beautiful goal. I remember that long run with Daniele De Rossi yelling at me, 'Mammamia che hai fatto, sei pazzo'. The coach told me 'You don't have to leave', but then I made my choice."



http://sportwitness.co.uk/dont-leave-player-reveals-fulham-transfer-happened-amazing-goal-nearly-ruined-everything/

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Games for the Week-end 08/04
We welcome West Ham to the Cottage for a 3 o'clock kick off

Well the Bournemouth game started really well, and then the 2nd half happened! It seems that we've been on 39 points for ages?
We still don't know, at the time of writing, how long we'll be without Mitro and we obviously miss him not only for his goals but his hold up play.
It was good to see Tom getting a run out and it would be interesting to see if he and Palhinha could work together?

West Ham will be very confident of getting a result, especially after the game earlier in the season, and will be buoyed by their win against fellow strugglers Southampton at the weekend, I think their game against Newcastle on Wednesday may prove more of a challenge.

Current Form:
Fulham – WDLLL
West Ham – LWLDW

our recent record against West Ham isn't very good with 3 wins, 9 losses and 3 draws.

my team would be...

COYW's

Games of Interest...
Saturday 8th
Villa v Forest
Brentford v Newcastle
Fulham v West Ham
Leicester v Bournemouth
Spurs v Brighton
Wolves v Chelsea

Sunday 9th
Leeds v Palace
Liverpool v Arsenal

come on over to the forum and join in the conversation...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=36.0


http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=2608

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Exeter City waiting on Jay Stansfield fitness ahead of Bolton clash

Exeter are waiting on the fitness of key man Jay Stansfield ahead of Friday's clash with Wanderers at St James Park.

 Stansfield was stretchered off during the 2-2 draw against Fleetwood over the weekend after seeming to get his studs caught in the turf.

Gary Caldwell's side drew 2-2 against the Cod Army, with Pierce Sweeney scoring a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time.

The Grecians have now lost just one of their last seven matches and currently sit 11th in the League One table.

 Speaking after the game, Caldwell told the club's YouTube channel: "It looked awkward the way he went down.

"We don't know to what extent he has hurt himself but it didn't look great and he is in a bit of pain, but we will see how he is over the next 48 hours.

"He is phenomenal and keeps going, and everyone kept going today and gave everything for the cause. Fingers crossed it is not too bad, but we will assess it over the coming days."

The 20-year-old has made 40 appearances for Exeter this season after joining on loan from Premier League side Fulham.

Caldwell added: "I'm delighted with the players' character after a tough, long week. To come from behind twice to get a point tells you a lot about these players.

"We found a way to not be beaten. Pierce stayed on the pitch after not feeling his best in the first half, and it epitomised the way we all were.

"It's a fair result. I don't think we can defend the way we defended and expect to win a game of football.

"We've lost two poor goals, we looked loose. We need to be better and there's always places to improve.

"Some of our build-up play was excellent but we weren't as good as we have been in recent weeks in the final third.

"I felt like any long ball caused us problems. Too many times it caused us a lot of problems and it's a difficult task when you give two goals away, but we found the answers."


https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/23434127.exeter-city-waiting-jay-stansfield-fitness-ahead-bolton-clash/

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Shahid Khan assures Fulham over rising costs of Riverside Stand expansion at Craven Cottage

Financial accounts published this week showed Khan has lent Fulham £116.5million by issuing new shares.

The American has invested more than £500m in Fulham since his takeover in 2013 and that backing is vital because the club recorded a loss of £57.9m last season.

Khan has given guarantees over the financing of the Riverside Stand, which is set to be fully open next season.

In total, about £120m has been spent on the redevelopment project since work began in 2019 and costs could increase further due to inflation.

"All forecasts indicate that, even taking account of controllable mitigating actions, the Group and Company will require significant additional funding in addition to that required to complete the Riverside Stand development," Fulham's latest accounts read.

"The Directors are confident that any additional required funding will be available from its ultimate owner and immediate parent company, Mr S R Khan and K2TR Family Holdings 2, Corporation, to meet its liabilities as they fall due for that period.

"K2TR Family Holdings 2, Corporation has expressed this intention to the Directors in writing."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-riverside-stand-khan-craven-cottage-b1072212.html

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"We understand': Journalist shares what he knows about Marco Silva and Chelsea after rumours

According to Jacques Talbot, Marco Silva will not become the new manager of Chelsea.

The Mirror reported over the weekend that Silva was a candidate that Chelsea were looking into, but now, Talbot has said that the Fulham boss is not going to head to Stamford Bridge anytime soon.

Indeed, according to Talbot, Silva will be staying at Fulham and there is yet to be any contact from Chelsea about a possible move.

Silva not Chelsea-bound
Talbot shared what he knows about Silva.

"There were reports that Marco Silva was in touch with Chelsea ahead of a change in management. It has been mooted that Silva was amongst the candidates to take over. We understand that Marco Silva will be staying at Fulham and there has been no contact whatsoever from Chelsea over a possible move in the summer or even now," Talbot said.

Won't happen
This move never looked very likely if we're being honest.

Indeed, Chelsea have just had their fingers burnt when going after an up-and-coming manager from an overperforming mid-table club, and they won't be looking to go down that route again.

The Blues are more than likely going to be going for a tried and tested manager who has performed at the top level in the past, hence the links to the likes of Luis Enrique, Julian Nagelsmann and Luciano Spalletti over the past 24 hours.

Silva is a fantastic manager who could probably do a brilliant job at a top club, but it's hard to see either Chelsea or Tottenham gambling on the Portuguese coach at this moment in time.

Fulham fans can relax as it looks as though their manager will be staying at Craven Cottage for the foreseeable future.



https://tbrfootball.com/we-understand-journalist-shares-what-he-knows-about-marco-silva-and-chelsea-after-rumours/

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Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic is banned for EIGHT matches for shoving referee Chris Kavanagh and boss Marco Silva is given two matches... but FA want LONGER bans and plan to appeal

    Mitrovic and Silva were handed the suspensions by an independent commission
    Fulham duo were sent off after clashing with referee Chris Kavanagh last month
    The FA has confirmed it plans to appeal the sanctions in a statement on Tuesday

Aleksandar Mitrovic has been banned for eight games and fined £75,000 for shoving referee Chris Kavanagh — but the FA are still at war with Fulham after announcing they want punishment increased.

The FA feel the length of the ban handed down by the independent regulatory commission is too lenient and plan to appeal.

Mitrovic, 28, pushed Kavanagh during Fulham's FA Cup meltdown at Manchester United last month, after Willian had been sent off for handling the ball on the line at Old Trafford.

The Serbia striker is currently able to return before the end of the season, having already served one game of the ban last weekend. The FA are now awaiting the commission's written reasons before officially submitting an appeal in a bid to extend Mitrovic's ban.

Fulham manager Marco Silva has also been handed a two-game touchline ban and £40,000 fine after he was also sent off for his angry reaction in the technical area. The FA also plan to appeal that verdict.

Mitrovic and Silva both announced last week that they had personally apologised to Kavanagh, with Fulham hopeful that this show of contrition would help them. But the matter remains unresolved after the FA announced that they are unhappy with the sanctions. An FA statement on Tuesday read: 'We note the decision of the independent regulatory commission to sanction Aleksandar Mitrovic and Marco Silva. Our current intention is to appeal both sanctions, however we will await the written reasons before confirming our final position.'

This is not the first time that the FA have disagreed with the commission. They previously contested an 18-month ban imposed on former Crawley boss John Yems, who was suspended until June 2024 following Sportsmail's revelations that he used racist language against his own players. The FA had been pushing for a two-year ban and said they 'fundamentally disagreed' with the commission's findings that this was not a case of 'conscious racism'.

That situation is still unresolved, FA insiders said last night.

Fulham were already concerned that they would not receive a fair trial, given the uproar that followed their FA Cup loss. This latest twist will not go down well in the boardroom as they feel they have been unfairly targeted.

The FA claimed the standard three-game suspension for Mitrovic was 'clearly insufficient'.

The striker tried to fight that charge but was ultimately handed an additional three games by the commission.

They added another two games and £75,000 fine for 'improper, abusive, insulting and threatening' behaviour after being sent off by Kavanagh. Mitrovic has already missed one game for Fulham — Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Bournemouth — so has seven games remaining unless the FA are successful in extending his ban.

Silva admitted his charges of 'abusive and insulting' behaviour towards the officials, but denied throwing a water bottle in the direction of assistant referee Scott Ledger. The commission found him guilty of that outstanding charge, imposing a two-game touchline ban and £20,000 fine. They added another £20,000 fine for 'improper' comments made in his post-match press conference. Fulham have also been fined £40,000 for failing to ensure their 'players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion'.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11938303/Aleksandar-Mitrovic-banned-EIGHT-MATCHES-Marco-Silva-handed-two-match-suspension.html

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Aleksandar Mitrovic hit with huge ban as Fulham star finally learns Man Utd red card fate

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic was shown a straight red card for grabbing Chris Kavanagh shortly after Willian and Marco Silva were also sent off in the defeat by Manchester United

 Aleksandar Mitrovic has been banned for eight matches after being charged with violent and improper conduct following his red card in Fulham's FA Cup quarter-final defeat by Manchester United.

The Whites striker was shown a straight red card by referee Chris Kavanagh after he grabbed the official by the arm while protesting the quick-fire sending-off of Willian and boss Marco Silva at Old Trafford.

Willian was sent off following a VAR check that showed he prevented a goalscoring opportunity with his arm while inside the area. Silva was red-carded for his reaction just moments later and charged with abusive behaviour towards match officials.

The Regulatory Commission claimed the standard punishment for a sending-off offence of violent conduct was "clearly insufficient" and Mitrovic was hit with a three-match ban.

This was on top of the three-match ban the Fulham forward had already received for the red card offence.

Mitrovic admitted that his behaviour and language was improper, abusive, insulting and threatening after he was shown a red card and the Regulatory Commission imposed an additional two-match ban and £75,000 fine.

Mitrovic has already served one of his eight-match suspensions in the defeat by Bournemouth so he has unavailable for Fulham's next seven fixtures, meaning he will miss all but the final two games of the season.

Serbia forward Mitrovic said his time away during the international break allowed him to reflect on his actions before his ban was confirmed this Tuesday.

Mitrovic said in a statement: "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 teammates on the pitch as soon as possible."

Whites boss Silva, meanwhile, has been hit with a two-match touchline ban and a £20,000 fine.

The Portuguese coach admitted that he used abusive and insulting words, gestures and behaviour towards the match referee, and insulting words, gestures and behaviour towards the fourth official.

Silva also admitted that comments he made after the game constituted improper conduct in that they imply bias, question the integrity of the match official, and bring the game into disrepute.

However, Silva denied that he threw a water bottle in the direction of the assistant referee. He apologised in a statement ahead of discovering his fate this Tuesday.

"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," said Silva.

"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 an 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."

Fulham were leading Man United and in full control of the quarter-final prior to the five minutes of madness that saw them managerless and down to nine men.

Mitrovic had opened the scoring for the away side, who were having all the joy at Old Trafford, but Bruno Fernandes equalised from the penalty spot after Willian's red card.

United quickly made the numerical advantage count, with Marcel Sabitzer bagging a second to put the Red Devils in front just two minutes later.

Fernandes got himself a brace in stoppage time to put the result beyond any doubt, setting up an FA Cup semi-final against Brighton.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/breaking-aleksandar-mitrovic-hit-huge-29629418

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Mitrovic banned for eight games, Silva faces two-game touchline suspension and Fulham fined £40,000
Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic has been banned for eight matches, head coach Marco Silva will a serve a two-match touchline suspension and the club have been fined £40,000 following the FA Cup defeat at Manchester United after an independent regulatory commission hearing yesterday.

The Serbian striker was sent off at Old Trafford after remonstrating with and then touching referee Chris Kavanagh following the decision to award a penalty to United and send off Willian and Marco Silva. Mitrovic, who served the first game of his suspension in the defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday, has also been fined £75,000.

In addition to his two-match touchline ban, Silva has been fined £20,000 for his conduct that saw him sent off – the Fulham boss exited his technical area to complain and threw a water bottle in the direction of the assistant referee – and a further £20,000 for his post-match comments about Kavanagh. Fulham have been fined another £40,000 for their failure to control their players following the award of the penalty.

UPDATE: The Football Association have issued a statement that suggests they intend to appeal the sanctions – but will first study the written report of the regulatory commission.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/04/mitrovic-banned-for-eight-games-silva-faces-two-game-touchline-suspension-and-fulham-fined-40000/

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Aleksandar Mitrovic: Fulham striker receives eight-match ban for pushing referee

Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic has been given an eight-match ban by an independent commission after pushing referee Chris Kavanagh in their FA Cup loss at Manchester United.

The Serbia striker received a three-match ban for the sending off, three for violent conduct and an additional two for "improper, abusive, insulting and threatening" language.

He will also receive a £75,000 fine.

Fulham manager Marco Silva will serve a two-match ban after he was sent off.

In addition to an improper conduct charge for allegedly throwing a water bottle in the direction of the assistant referee, Silva was charged with misconduct for comments he made in a press conference following the FA Cup defeat.

While the 45-year-old admitted abusive behaviour towards match officials and that his post-match comments constituted improper conduct he denied that he threw the water bottle.

Silva said in a statement last week that he had apologised to Kavanagh and he "regrets what happened" in the match on 19 March.

One game of Mitrovic's ban has already been served, meaning the forward will be available for Fulham's last three Premier League games of the season, the first coming at Southampton on 13 May.

Following Mitrovic's straight red card, the Football Association had said its standard punishment for his dismissal at Old Trafford was "clearly insufficient".

The 28-year-old denied this but it was upheld by the independent commission, and Mitrovic separately admitted the charge that his behaviour and language after being sent off was improper.

Following the announcement the FA said it would appeal against both sanctions but would wait for the written reasons from the independent commission.

In the FA Cup tie, Fulham's leading goalscorer Mitrovic had put his side in front against United early in the second half.

But he was dismissed in the 72nd minute after the hosts were awarded a penalty following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check that resulted in Willian being sent off for a deliberate handball on the line.

In an apology to team-mates and the club's supporters, Mitrovic said: "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."

Fulham have also received a £40,000 fine for failing to control their players.

The London club are currently 10th in the Premier League and host West Ham on Saturday.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65181624

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Fulham's Mitrovic gets huge ban for ref push, Silva banned too, but FA may ask for more

Fulham star Aleksandar Mitrovic has received an eight-match ban after he shoved Chris Kavanagh during an FA Cup loss to Manchester United last month, but the FA are set to appeal the decision.

The striker received his marching orders in a minute of chaos at Old Trafford as teammate Willian was sent off for a hand ball, manager Marco Silva was sent off for his behaviour and the Serbian for pushing the referee.

Mitrovic had scored in the game and Fulham were 1-0 up when the trio of red cards were distributed, they went on to lose the match 3-1.

The forward said that the sending off was enough but the Regulatory Commission thought otherwise.

Eight-match Mitrovic ban broken down

    Three matches for the red card

    Three matches for violent conduct

    Two matches for improper, abusive, insulting and threatening behaviour

Manager Silva was banned for two matches for his gestures and insulting words towards Kavanagh as the referee checked a VAR replay on a potential Willian handball.

Mitrovic will be back in time for Fulham's final three matches of the season, against Southampton, Crystal Palace and Manchester United, with the commission concluding that the striker has already served one of his eight banned matches.

However the FA have suggested the bans aren't long enough, saying: "We note the decision of the independent Regulatory Commission to sanction Aleksandar Mitrovic and Marco Silva.

"Our current intention is to appeal both sanctions, however we will await the written reasons before confirming our final position."

Fulham are 10th in the Premier League table and are four points off the top six, they're 13 clear of the relegation zone.



https://www.cityam.com/fulhams-mitrovic-gets-huge-ban-for-ref-push-silva-banned-too/

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Fulham hit by double blow that could hand Everton and Liverpool an advantage

Aleksandar Mitrovic ban length confirmed as Fulham striker will miss games against both Liverpool and Everton

Aleksandar Mitrovic will not be available for Fulham's Premier League games against Everton and Liverpool after the Serbian was slapped with an eight-game ban for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh during the FA Cup tie at Manchester United last month.

Manager Marco Silva will also be absent from the Goodison Park touchline later this month after the Whites boss was hit with a two-match touchline ban for his misconduct in the 3-1 quarter-final defeat at Old Trafford on March 19.

Mitrovic, who has scored 11 Premier League goals for Fulham this season, has had the standard three-game suspension for a straight red card increased by a further five by an independent regulatory commission. However, after missing Saturday's visit to Bournemouth, the striker will now miss the next seven league matches. The 28-year-old has also been made to pay a fine of £75,000.

Meanwhile, former Blues boss Silva has been hit with a two-match touchline ban after admitting to using "abusive and insulting words, gestures and behaviour towards Kavanagh" and will therefore be made to watch matches against Leeds United and Everton from the stands. He has also been ordered to pay a £40,000 fine.

After the Independent regulatory commission's punishment for the duo was made public on Tuesday afternoon, however, the Football Association announced their intention to appeal the verdict in favour of a tougher sanction.

A statement from an FA spokesman read: "We not the decision of the Independent Regulatory Commission to sanction Aleksandar Mitrovic and Marco Silva.

"Our current intention is to appeal both sanctions, however we will await the written reasons before confirming our final position."

Fulham travel to Goodison Park to face Everton on April 15 before travelling to Anfield for their rearranged clash with the Reds on May 3.



https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-hit-double-blow-could-26631946

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Alexander Mitrovic banned for next seven Fulham games after red card in Manchester United defeat

Fulham striker Alexander Mitrovic will be banned for the next seven matches after being found guilty of violent and improper conduct for putting his hands on referee Chris Kavanagh.

The Serbian striker was sent off for squaring up to and pushing the referee following his decision to award United a penalty during their 3-1 FA Cup quarter-final win at the Theatre of Dreams.

Fulham were 1-0 up at the time and by far the better side but the referee sent off Willian for handballing on the line and Marco Silva for protesting the decision, before giving Mitrovic his marching orders.

Mitrovic had put Fulham ahead in the tie and he came close to doubling their lead with a header shortly after.

A statement on on Fulham's website on Tuesday read: 'Following a hearing in relation to our FA Cup tie with Manchester United last month, an Independent Regulatory Commission has decided that:

    Aleksandar Mitrović should be suspended for a total of eight games, one of which he has already served. He should also pay a £75,000 fine;
    Marco Silva should serve a touchline ban for two games, and pay a £20,000 fine for the incident which saw him sent off;
    Marco Silva should pay a separate £20,000 fine for his media comments after the match;
    The Club should be fined £40,000 for the failure to prevent its players surrounding the referee.

Mitrovic apologised after the incident, but also tried to accept the standard three-game ban for a straight red card, which has now been extended for his case.

He wrote: '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 teammates 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 teammates, 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.



https://metro.co.uk/2023/04/04/fulham-striker-alexander-mitrovic-hit-with-lengthy-ban-after-red-card-in-man-utd-defeat-18556264/?ito=newsnow-feed

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FA to appeal huge Aleksandar Mitrovic ban for ref shove as 'not long enough'

The FA have announced their intention to appeal the bans given to Aleksandar Mitrovic and Marco Silva - eight and two matches respectively - because they don't feel justice has been served

The FA are planning to appeal the eight-match ban given to Aleksandar Mitrovic and the two-match ban given to Marco Silva - as they want them to be longer.

A statement from their spokesperson read: "We note the decision of the independent Regulatory Commission to sanction Aleksandar Mitrovic and Marco Silva. Our current intention is to appeal both sanctions, however we will await the written reasons before confirming our final position."

Mitrovic pushed referee Chris Kavanagh during Fulham's FA Cup quarter final against Manchester United last month while protesting the decision to send off his team-mate Willian for handball, earning himself a straight red card too.

His boss Silva, meanwhile, was also given his marching orders for using abusive and insulting language, gestures and behaviour towards the official.

Following a hearing, an independent Regulatory Commission upgraded Mitrovic's three-match ban for violent conduct to a suspension of eight games, with one already having been served.

That will mean he misses all but three of Fulham's remaining Premier League fixtures this season, while he was also slapped with a £75,000 fine.

Silva was given a two-match touchline ban and a £20k fine for his on-field actions, as well as an additional £20k fine for comments he made in the post-match press conference.

A £40k fine was imposed on the club for failing to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion. Fulham have informed their fans of the punishments but are yet to comment.



https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/breaking-fulham-silva-mitrovic-appeal-29629882

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Fulham's Mitrovic gets eight-match ban for shoving referee

April 4 (Reuters) - Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has been handed an eight-match ban and a 75,000 pounds ($94,000) fine for shoving the referee during their FA Cup loss at Manchester United last month, the Football Association said on Tuesday.

Serbian Mitrovic was sent off after confronting referee Chris Kavanagh and pushing him with his shoulder.

"We claimed the standard punishment which would otherwise apply to Aleksandar Mitrovic for the sending-off offence of violent conduct that he committed towards the match referee around the 72nd minute was clearly insufficient," the FA's independent Regulatory Commission said in a statement.

"The forward separately admitted that his behaviour and language after being sent off was improper, abusive, insulting and threatening."

Mitrovic will not be able to play for Fulham again until May.

During the second half of the 3-1 loss to United at Old Trafford, a confrontation broke out after Fulham's Willian was red-carded for handling the ball in the penalty area following a VAR review.

Fulham manager Marco Silva will also serve a touchline ban for two games along with a 20,000 pounds fine.

Silva angrily addressed the fourth official before being shown a red card.

The London club were fined 40,000 pounds for failing to prevent their players surrounding the referee.

($1 = 0.8006 pounds)



https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/fulhams-mitrovic-gets-eight-match-ban-shoving-referee-2023-04-04/?rpc=401&;