Thursday Fulham Stuff - 06/04/23...

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Results

Wednesday
Man Utd	1-0	Brentford
West Ham	1-5	Newcastle

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Aleksandar Mitrovic handed eight-game ban in one of Premier League's longest suspensions

It was a rush of blood of the worst possible kind. 

Fulham were on course to clinched an unlikely spot in the FA Cup semifinals at the expense of football behemoth Manchester United at Old Trafford after Serbia striker Aleksandar Mitrovic gave them a sensational lead.

However, the match suddenly flipped when Fulham's Brazil winger Willian was shown a straight red card for deliberately blocking Jadon Sancho's shot with his arm while inside the area. It was a correct decision as United were denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Nonetheless, the dismissal of Willian prompted furious outburst from Mitrovic, who aggressively pushed referee Chris Kavanagh and left the official with no option but to send him off. With only nine men remaining on the pitch, Fulham quickly suffered a meltdown as United comfortably staged a comeback and triumphed 3-1.

No one knows exactly what on earth had provoked Mitrovic's tantrum, but the 28-year-old paid a heavy price for this stunning lack of discipline as an independent regulatory commission on Tuesday handed him an eight-match ban for "violent conduct towards a match official" and "using language that was "improper, abusive, insulting and threatening."

Having already started the ban against Bournemouth over the weekend, Mitrovic has seven matches of the suspension to serve. And with only 10 games left in Fulham's Premier League season, the striker will be sidelined until the very end of the campaign.

It could be even worse. Following the announcement, the Football Association declared that the sanctions were too "lenient" and it intends to appeal against the decisions of the commission, which means Mitrovic's ban might be extended into the next season.

In an emotional apology letter released earlier, 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.

"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 spoken to Chris Kavanagh to apologize, 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."

The Premier League games Mitrovic will miss
April 8: vs. West Ham 
April 15: vs. Everton
April 22: vs. Leeds
April 25: vs. Aston Villa
April 30: vs. Manchester City
May 3: vs. Liverpool
May 8: vs. Leicester City

Some of the longest suspensions in Premier League
- 9 months, Eric Cantona, Manchester United, kick a fan in the crowd, January 1995
- 8 months, Rio Ferdinand, Manchester United, miss a drug test, January 2004
- 12 games, Joey Barton, Queens Park Rangers, hit several opponents on the pitch, May 2012
- 11 games, Paolo Di Canio, Sheffield Wednesday, push the match official to the floor, September 1998
- 10 games, Luis Suarez, Liverpool, bite an opponent on the arm, April 2013
- 8 games: Luis Suarez, Liverpool, racially abuse an opponent, December 2011



https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-04-05/Mitrovic-hit-with-one-of-Premier-League-s-longest-suspensions-1iKrf9MawzS/index.html

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Jay Stansfield nominated for League One player of the month for March

The 20-year-old scored twice for the Grecians and had three assists in what was a fruitful month for the club.

Exeter City striker Jay Stansfield has been nominated for the Sky Bet League One player of the month for March award. The 20-year-old scored twice for the Grecians and had three assists in what was a fruitful month for the club.

The Grecians won all three of their games at St James Park in March, as well as drawing away to Wycombe Wanderers, and a defeat at Cheltenham Town. Stansfield ended a 23 game run without a goal when he netted against Accrington Stanley, before following that up with a strike against Barnsley three days later.

The Fulham loanee is up against Cheltenham Town striker Alfie May, Ipwich Town goalkeeper Christian Walton, and Peterborough United defended Joe Ward for the prize. The winners will be announced on Friday morning.

It comes as following scans and tests at his parent club Fulham, the injury the striker suffered at Fleetwood Town is not as bad as first feared.. The striker was stretchered off midway through the second half after it seemed his studs got caught in the turf during the 2-2 draw.

But a spokesperson for Exeter City FC said: "We are pleased to report that the injury Jay Stansfield sustained at Fleetwood on Saturday is not as serious as originally feared. Jay has responded well to to initial injury management and will return to the Cliff Hill Training Ground tomorrow to continue his rehabilitation. We are confident that he will be available for selection before the end of the season."

Alfie May (Cheltenham Town) - striker

May led the Cheltenham charge in March with a series of wonder strikes among his five goals and an assist. A volleyed winner against Fleetwood was bettered even by an astonishing lob at Peterborough and another stunning volley.


Jay Stansfield (Exeter City) - striker

Playing as a wide striker, Stansfield's stamina in tormenting defenders for 90 minutes is staggering in one so young. It is intelligent running run, too, which he supplemented with two goals and three more direct goal involvements.

Christian Walton (Ipswich Town) – goalkeeper

The 27-year-old is on a club clean sheets record run and didn't concede in four games. Organiser of his defence, his most telling contributions came at promotion rivals Bolton with a series of superb saves and a crucial penalty stop.

Joe Ward (Peterborough United) - right back

It is hard to define Ward by a particular position, having played as a right-back, a wing-back and a wide midfielder in March. What is certain is his impact on games, scoring two goals, while four others came directly from his superbly whipped crosses.



https://www.devonlive.com/sport/football/football-news/jay-stansfield-nominated-league-one-8322013

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FA v Fulham FC, Marco Silva & Aleksandar Mitrović

Nick De Marco KC represented Fulham FC, Marco Silva and Aleksandar Mitrović in relation to various charges brought by The FA arising out of Fulham's FA Cup tie against Manchester United on Sunday 19 March. Following a hearing before a Regulatory Commission. Mitrović was suspended for 8 matches, Silva subjected to a 2-match touchline ban and various fines were imposed. Written Reasons for the sanctions shall follow.





https://www.blackstonechambers.com/news/fa-v-fulham-fc-marco-silva-aleksandar-mitrovi%C4%87/

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Happy Rodney McAree day

Twenty six years ago today, a man who wasn't even expecting to be playing scored one of the most important goals in Fulham's history.

Micky Adams had already achieved a miraculous turnaround in Fulham's fortunes. He had steered the Whites to Division Three safety after succeeding Ian Branfoot in his first managerial job and told the press to judge him on what happened next season. Having revamped the squad, without much money via a collection of loans, free transfers and nominal transfer fees, Fulham won the eleven of their first fourteen games and the Whites were locked in a three-way title battle with Wigan Athletic and Carlisle United in early April.

Fulham, unbeaten in their last nine fixtures, travelled to Brunton Park full of confidence that they could clinch the club's first promotion for fifteen years. They might have been without key players in the form of centre back Mark Blake, midfielder Richard Carpenter and popular forward Darren Freeman, but there was still a belief that the Whites could do something special. McAree only had his own spot in the side confirmed hours before kick off – having told his family that he was unlikely to play.

Carlisle were formidable opposition, especially at home, and went in front through a first half header from Rory Delap. Adams, angry at his side's lack of quality in the first half, delivered a stirring half time speech and it took only six minutes for the Cottagers to equalise. McAree, found a clever short corner, crossed for Danny Cullip at the back post and top scorer Mike Conroy did the rest. Of course, the Northern Ireland midfielder's crowning moment – still sung about with gusto today – was yet to come.

Fulham continued to ask questions and went ahead four minutes later when on-loan Christer Warren's lay-off fell perfectly for McAree, whose magnificent half volley felt in as soon as he hit. The visitors held on despite a fierce late Carlisle onslaught and the scenes, both in the ground and on the train home, were something else. Promotion – although not confirmed because Swansea were still able to catch Adams' men if Fulham lost all of their remaining matches – was almost a certainty. McAree, one of the game's great characters, had written his name into Fulham folkore.

If you'd like to relieve that day and learn a bit more about what Rodney McAree's been up to since, please do enjoy Lydia's lovely interview with the man himself from a few years ago.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/04/happy-rodney-mcaree-day/

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Brighton, Aston Villa and Brentford receive European boost as rivals dealt major blow

Brighton and Hove Albion continue their quest for European qualification tonight at Bournemouth

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has been handed an eight-game ban for his sending-off against Manchester United, the Football Association has announced.

Mitrovic was dismissed during his side's FA Cup clash last month after grabbing referee Chris Kavanagh, receiving a standard three-match ban which has been extended by three games for violent conduct towards a match official and another two for using language that was "improper, abusive, insulting and threatening".

Mitrovic admitted the latter offence, which also came with a £75,000 fine, but unsuccessfully disputed the charge of violent conduct. Having already missed one game, he will now be unavailable for Fulham's next seven matches.

Manager Marco Silva, whose own dismissal alongside that of Willian led to Mitrovic's angry reaction, was also punished by the independent regulatory commission.

Silva admitted using abusive and insulting words or behaviour towards Kavanagh and the fourth official but denied throwing a water bottle towards the assistant referee.

The charge was nevertheless upheld, with a £20,000 fine and another of the same amount coming due to questioning the integrity of the referee during his post-match press conference. He was also hit with a two-game touchline ban.

A further £40,000 penalty was issued against the Cottagers for failing to control their players.



https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/sport/football/brighton-and-hove-albion/brighton-aston-villa-and-brentford-receive-european-boost-as-rivals-dealt-major-blow-4092583

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Injury expert shares Fulham update ahead of West Ham United Premier League clash

Fulham are set to be without three first-team players for their Premier League clash against West Ham United on Saturday, according to injury expert, Ben Dinnery.

The West Londoners have been dealt a major blow after Aleksandar Mitrovic was given an eight-match ban for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh during Fulham's FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.

Furthermore, according to Dinnery (Premier injuries), Marco Silva will be without Neeskens Kebano and Layvin Kurzawa, who are both "ruled out" through injury.

Fulham will welcome back Willian against West Ham after he was sent off for handball during the cup loss at Old Trafford.

Opportunity
Mitrovic has been a huge part of Fulham's success this season and his extended absence will be a big blow to Silva. The Serbian never makes life easy for defenders but the eight-game ban comes as no surprise.

You simply cannot confront an official in the way he did. The abuse which has been thrown the way of referees has significantly increased in recent years. It's part of the game, but it has potentially gone slightly too far. For future incidents to be prevented, referees must start brandishing yellow and red cards for any sort of abuse aimed in their direction.

If players know they will be punished immediately, they would almost certainly refrain from making their feelings known towards officials.

From Fulham's perspective, Mitrovic's actions have certainly put a dampener on what has been an excellent return to the Premier League. A top-half finish would be a remarkable achievement considering the big clubs who are currently battling to secure their league status.

The Serb would have been out for the Hammers clash either way with the initial length of his suspension but it is a boost for David Moyes who will need to take full advantage.



https://www.westhamzone.com/news/injury-expert-shares-fulham-update-ahead-of-west-ham-united-premier-league-clash/

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Stansfield shortlisted for League One player of the month award
Exeter City striker Jay Stansfield has been shortlisted for the League One Player of the Month award after his marvellous March.

The on-loan Fulham forward broke his goalscoring drought for the Grecians, with a pair of fabulous finishes against Accrington Stanley and Barnsley, and added two assists during the calendar month. The 20 year-old, whose injury against Fleetwood Town on Saturday has since been confirmed as not being as serious as first feared, won the EFL Young Player of the Month accolade last October and is contention to win Exeter's goal of the month award.

The EFL nomination shortlisting Stansfield alongside Alfie May of Cheltenham Town, Ipswich Town custodian Christian Walton, and Peterborough United's Joe Ward, reads as follows:

    "Playing as a wide striker, Stansfield's stamina in tormenting defenders for 90 minutes is staggering in one so young. It is intelligent running run, too, which he supplemented with two goals and three more direct goal involvements."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/04/stansfield-shortlisted-for-league-one-player-of-the-month-award/

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Fulham challenging Bournemouth for 22-year-old goalkeeper – Cherries after him for 'some time'

Fulham are ready to do battle with AFC Bournemouth for Brøndby goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, with the Cherries watching him for 'some time'.

That's according to Bold, who say the 22-year-old goalkeeper has increasing interest in him from the Premier League.

They state that there is 'massive interest' in Hermansen from England, with their information stating that several clubs have turned up and shown an interest in him.

Fulham and Bournemouth are two of those sides they know that are keen and the latter have been 'persistent' in that for 'some time'.

They've been keeping an eye on his development in recent years, which has seen Hermansen rise through the ranks and recently selected in Kasper Hjulmand's first Denmark squad of 2023.

He has a contract with Brøndby until 2025 and the 'puzzle' about his future is not expected to be solved until the seasons across Europe come to an end.

Bournemouth in particular need to wait to see what league they are playing in before deciding on transfer targets as they are currently embroiled in a relegation battle.

The same cannot be said of Fulham, who sit tenth in the table and 12 points clear of any danger at the other end.

That, then, could give them a slight advantage over the Cherries should they decide to move early and try to secure Hermansen's signature ahead of the competition.


http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-challenging-bournemouth-22-year-old-goalkeeper-cherries-time/

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Watch Fulham FC Women and Win!

Secure your seat to one of Fulham FC Women's final home games at Motspur Park for your chance to win a signed shirt by one of the squad!

Show your support for Fulham FC Women as they close out their 2022/23 London and South East Regional Division campaign with home matches against Worthing Women on Sunday 16th April and Sutton United Women on Sunday 7th May.

Signed shirts from Club Captain Mary Southgate, Ellie Olds, and Lilly Lambird are all up for grabs with two lucky recipients being selected from Worthing attendees and three more from attendees at the Sutton fixture in May.

Get your ticket today for your chance to win one of five available signed shirts from your Fulham FC Women favourites.

BUY TICKETS

2022/23 Fulham FC Women Season Ticket Holders and supporters who have already purchased tickets to either of these fixtures prior to Tuesday 4th April will be automatically entered into the Signed Shirt competition. To view competition terms and conditions click here.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/april/05/win-a-signed-shirt-by-fulham-fc-women/

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FA confirms big decision which will impact both Everton and Liverpool this month

Aleksandar Mitrovic will miss games against Everton and Liverpool after he was hit with an eight-game ban on Tuesday

Aleksandar Mitrovic has been banned for eight games by an independent panel following his red card against Manchester Untied in the FA Cup last month.

The Serbian was sent off for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh at Old Trafford, and was already poised to miss Fulham's trip to Goodison Park with a three-game ban.

However, he has now been handed an eight-match ban which will rule him out of next month's Anfield visit. Fulham boss Marco Silva has also been sanctioned.

Mitrovic scored twice against Liverpool as the sides drew 2-2 at Craven Cottage at the beginning of August while he featured against Everton in October as the Premier League rivals played out a 0-0 draw.

A statement released by the FA on Tuesday read: "Fulham FC, Marco Silva and Aleksandar Mitrović have been sanctioned by an independent Regulatory Commission following a hearing in relation to their tie against Manchester United in The FA Cup on Sunday 19 March.

"Marco Silva admitted that he used abusive and insulting words, gestures and behaviour towards the match referee around the 72nd minute; that he used abusive and insulting words towards the fourth official before being sent off; and that he used abusive and insulting words, gestures and behaviour towards the fourth official after being dismissed. However, he denied that he threw a water bottle in the direction of the assistant referee and that his behaviour in doing so was improper. The Regulatory Commission upheld the outstanding charge against him, and imposed a two-match touchline ban and a £20,000 fine.

"The manager also admitted that comments he made in the post-match press conference constitute improper conduct in that they imply bias, question the integrity of the match official, and bring the game into disrepute. As a result, the Regulatory Commission imposed an additional £20,000 fine.

"We claimed the standard punishment which would otherwise apply to Aleksandar Mitrović for the sending-off offence of violent conduct that he committed towards the match referee around the 72nd minute was clearly insufficient. The forward denied this, but it was upheld by the Regulatory Commission, and a three-match ban was imposed. This is in addition to the three-match ban he had already received for the red card offence.

"The forward separately admitted that his behaviour and language after being sent off was improper, abusive, insulting and threatening, and the Regulatory Commission imposed an additional two-match ban and £75,000 fine.

"In total, the Regulatory Commission has suspended Aleksandar Mitrović for eight matches. One of these has already been served, and therefore the forward will be unavailable for Fulham FC's next seven matches.

"Finally, the club admitted that it failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion around the 72nd minute, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a £40,000 fine. We await the Regulatory Commission's written reasons for these decisions, which will be published in due course."

Mitrovic is facing the potential to be ruled out for even longer after the FA announced their intention to appeal the length of his ban.

An FA spokesperson then said: "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."


https://www.liverpoolworld.uk/sport/football/liverpool/fa-confirms-big-decision-which-will-impact-both-everton-and-liverpool-this-month-4093604

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Fulham join race for Hermansen
Reports from Demark suggest that Fulham have joined AFC Bournemouth, Everton and Burnley in the race to sign Brøndby goalkeeper Mads Hermansen this summer.

The 22 year-old goalkeeper has made 61 appearances since breaking into the Brøndby first team after German goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe returned to his homeland to sign for FC Köln in July 2021. Hermansen has impressed in the Champions' League for Brøndby and was named the club's player of the season for 2021/22 after a series of strong displays.

Danish football website Bold claims that Fulham are among the frontrunners for Hermansen's signature, with Bournemouth's longstanding interest in the goalkeeper undermined by their current battle against the drop. The Whites, on account of their tenth place position in the Premier League, might well be a more attractive destination for the Odense-born custodian, who was named in the Danish senior squad for the first time last month.

Bold reports that there is 'massive interest' in Hermansen amongst English clubs – naming the Cherries, Everton and Fulham. Earlier this week, the Daily Mail reported that Burnley boss Vincent Kompany had flown to Denmark to carry out his own personal scouting mission on the young goalkeeper. Fulham are likely to look to boost their goalkeeping resources this summer with Paulo Gazzaniga, currently on loan at Girona, expected to leave the club at the end of his two-year contract.

Hermansen has just two years remaining on his current deal with Drengene fra Vestegnen and is understood be interested his trade in England.


https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/04/fulham-join-race-for-hermansen/

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Ally McCoist thinks Aleksandar Mitrovic's eight-game ban is long enough

Ally McCoist has now given his verdict on Fulham star Aleksandar Mitrovic's eight-game ban.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, McCoist was asked about the Serbian striker's misconduct.

It was all going so well for Fulham during their FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United.

The visitors to Old Trafford were 1-0 up with less than 20 minutes to play.

Not only that, but they had dominated proceedings against Manchester United and were deservedly in the lead.

It was Mitrovic who had given his side the lead, pouncing on a loose ball from a corner.

However, the hosts should have gone level, were in not for the intervention of Willian's arm.

Mitrovic and Marco Silva were both sent off for their reaction to Willan's red card, leading to a triple dismissal.

Manchester United scored three times in quick succession to reach the semi-finals, and deny Fulham a trip to Wembley.

McCoist has now reflected on the length of Mitrovic's ban, with Fulham on a three-game losing streak since his red card.

It's likely spelled the end of their brilliant season after returning from the Championship.

McCoist reacts to Fulham star MItrovic's ban
Asked by TalkSPORT host Lauara Woods is he felt eight games was enough, McCoist said: "It is [enough].

"I think I said just after the incident I thought six, but it's one of those where I don't really have a problem with eight.

"I think six to eight is probably just about spot on for me, but I don't think it's amazing.

"It's so split, you look at the messages coming in, people saying it's really, really harsh, and other people saying it's not enough.

"My own opinion is, I said it before, I think six, I don't really have a problem with the extra two."

Many Fulham fans would agree with McCoist that six to eight games are an appropriate ban for Mitrovic.

However, the FA have appealed the decision, believing he should unavailable for longer.

Mitrovic has also apologised for an incident earlier in the season against Arsenal when he complained to the referee.

Ironically, one of the only two games Mitrovic will still be available will be Fulham's trip to Old Trafford on the final day of the season.

The Serbian has even been linked with a move to the Manchester club in the summer.

Fulham now face a massive battle to maintain a spot in the top ten this season without their talisman.

Carlos Vinicius is the only natural replacement, and is far from the same quality as the lethal marksman.



https://tbrfootball.com/ally-mccoist-thinks-aleksandar-mitrovics-eight-game-ban-is-long-enough/

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Jasper to join Portimonense in July
Fulham have this afternoon confirmed that winger Sylvester Jasper will join Portuguese side Portiomonense in July.

Jasper, who has been at Fulham since moving to Motspur Park from Queens Park Rangers in 2012, made three first-team appearances for the Whites having shone at academy level. He has spent time on loan with Colchester United, Hibernian and Bristol Rovers and won four under-21 international caps for Bulgaria.

The Southwark-born 21 year-old will finish this campaign with Fulham and move to Portugal on 1 July having signed a pre-contract agreement with Portimonense, who are currently fourteenth in the Primeira Liga.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/04/jasper-to-join-portimonense-in-july/

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Report: Everton, Fulham and Burnley battling to sign their very own Ederson

Brondby ace Mads Hermansen is on the radar of Premier League trio Burnley, Fulham and Everton ahead of a potential summer tug-of-war.

A goalkeeper in a Vincent Kompany team must do more than merely keep the ball out the back of the net. As you might expect from a coach who counts Pep Guardiola as a mentor, the Burnley boss sees his go-to 'number one' not only as the last line of defence but also as the first line of attack.

That is why Kompany brought in Aro Muric from City last summer; the Kosovo international snapped up largely due to his technical ability and impressive passing range.

Muric's future at Turf Moor beyond this season is uncertain. Mads Hermansen, the Daily Mail say, is viewed as a potential replacement. 

And you will not be surprised to learn that Hermansen, like Muric, is also a goalkeeper renowned for his eye-catching distribution and his composure with the ball at his feet.

Everton, Fulham and Burnley like Brondby goalkeeper Mads Hermansen
"I think that Kompany has been looking at Mads Hermansen," Denmark legend Thomas Graversen tells Bold; the Clarets boss spotted in the crowd during Brondby's 3-0 home defeat to Viborg on Sunday.

"I believe that, in Mads Hermansen, he can see a ball-playing goalkeeper. A goalkeeper who looks like Ederson and Alisson, who can get out of the cage and can play along."

Burnley are not the only club eyeing up the Denmark U21 international. Bold believe that Fulham, Everton and AFC Bournemouth are also among Hermansen's admirers.

Jordan Pickford, another keeper can boast the passing range of a seasoned playmaker, recently signed a new deal at Goodison Park. Asmir Begovic is expected to leave in the summer, however. Hermansen, who turns 23 in July, would likely be viewed as a back-up at Everton.

Ditto, Fulham. Bernd Leno has been one of the Premier League's best since arriving in a bargain deal from Arsenal last year. Interest in Hermansen suggests Marek Rodak may be considering a move after a season stuck on the bench.

"He was our first and only target for that position," Fulham coach Marco Silva says of Leno.

"He really wanted to join us and to embrace the challenge with us. We have to be really pleased to have him with us. Our fans have to be pleased to have a goalkeeper like him in our football club.

"I don't have doubts he's one of the three best goalkeepers in the country, in this competition."


https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/04/05/report-everton-fulham-and-burnley-battling-to-sign-their-very-own-ederson/

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Southampton set to face Mitrovic in first return from eight-game ban

FULHAM top-scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic has been handed an eight-game ban, meaning his first game back is set to be at Saints in May.

 However, the Football Association feels the punishment is too lenient and intends to appeal for a longer suspension which would see him miss the St Mary's clash.

The 28-year-old Serbia international was given the lengthy suspension after he was dismissed during the Cottagers' FA Cup semi-final at Manchester United last month after grabbing referee Chris Kavanagh.

 Mitrovic received a standard three-match ban, but that has been extended by three games for violent conduct towards a match official and another two matches added for using language that was "improper, abusive, insulting and threatening".

A further £40,000 penalty was issued against the Cottagers for failing to control their players.

Having already missed one game, he will now be unavailable for Fulham's next seven matches.

Mitrovic is Fulham's top scorer with 12 goals this season – seven more than his nearest challenger – and his absence comes with the team sitting in 10th place.

Fulham are set to visit St Mary's on Saturday, May 13 (3PM) in what will be the club's penultimate game at their home stadium. Fixtures versus Brighton and Liverpool will follow to finish the season.

Mitrovic is set to miss matches against relegation rivals West Ham, Everton and Leeds United before potentially being available to face Saints.



https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/23436131.southampton-set-face-mitrovic-first-return-eight-game-ban/

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🏆 Jay Stansfield named Carpetright Player of the Month for March

'One of our Own' Jay Stansfield has been named your Carpetright Player of the Month for March.

In a month that saw City in fine form, picking up ten points from five games, Jay was the one who stood out most to the fans.

A pair of fantastic strikes and a pair of assists saw Jay return to his finest form during his season-long loan from Fulham.

And we will never forget those scenes when Jay netted in-front of the Thatchers Cider Big Bank against Accrington Stanley!

Take a look at some of Jay's highlights of the month ⬇️

⚽️⚽️🅰️🅰️

Take a look at why Jay Stansfield was named your @Carpetright Player of the Month ⬇️#ECFC #OneGrecianGoal https://t.co/WcncjeIiFS pic.twitter.com/VLftby711X

— Exeter City FC (@OfficialECFC) April 5, 2023

🏆 Well deserved, Jay 👏🏻

City’s No.9 has been voted your @Carpetright Player of the Month for March! #ECFC #OneGrecianGoal pic.twitter.com/Vp97szhFYW

— Exeter City FC (@OfficialECFC) April 5, 2023

https://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/news/2023/april/potm-march-result/

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Aleksandar Mitrovic handed eight-game ban in one of Premier League's longest suspensions

It was a rush of blood of the worst possible kind. 

Fulham were on course to clinched an unlikely spot in the FA Cup semifinals at the expense of football behemoth Manchester United at Old Trafford after Serbia striker Aleksandar Mitrovic gave them a sensational lead.

However, the match suddenly flipped when Fulham's Brazil winger Willian was shown a straight red card for deliberately blocking Jadon Sancho's shot with his arm while inside the area. It was a correct decision as United were denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Nonetheless, the dismissal of Willian prompted furious outburst from Mitrovic, who aggressively pushed referee Chris Kavanagh and left the official with no option but to send him off. With only nine men remaining on the pitch, Fulham quickly suffered a meltdown as United comfortably staged a comeback and triumphed 3-1.

No one knows exactly what on earth had provoked Mitrovic's tantrum, but the 28-year-old paid a heavy price for this stunning lack of discipline as an independent regulatory commission on Tuesday handed him an eight-match ban for "violent conduct towards a match official" and "using language that was "improper, abusive, insulting and threatening."

Having already started the ban against Bournemouth over the weekend, Mitrovic has seven matches of the suspension to serve. And with only 10 games left in Fulham's Premier League season, the striker will be sidelined until the very end of the campaign.

It could be even worse. Following the announcement, the Football Association declared that the sanctions were too "lenient" and it intends to appeal against the decisions of the commission, which means Mitrovic's ban might be extended into the next season.

In an emotional apology letter released earlier, 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.

"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 spoken to Chris Kavanagh to apologize, 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."

The Premier League games Mitrovic will miss
April 8: vs. West Ham 
April 15: vs. Everton
April 22: vs. Leeds
April 25: vs. Aston Villa
April 30: vs. Manchester City
May 3: vs. Liverpool
May 8: vs. Leicester City

Some of the longest suspensions in Premier League
- 9 months, Eric Cantona, Manchester United, kick a fan in the crowd, January 1995
- 8 months, Rio Ferdinand, Manchester United, miss a drug test, January 2004
- 12 games, Joey Barton, Queens Park Rangers, hit several opponents on the pitch, May 2012
- 11 games, Paolo Di Canio, Sheffield Wednesday, push the match official to the floor, September 1998
- 10 games, Luis Suarez, Liverpool, bite an opponent on the arm, April 2013
- 8 games: Luis Suarez, Liverpool, racially abuse an opponent, December 2011



https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-04-05/Mitrovic-hit-with-one-of-Premier-League-s-longest-suspensions-1iKrf9MawzS/index.html

Mitro did not aggressively push Kavanagh, he got hold of his arm. I wish these journalists would use less emotive terminology and a more accurate description.

[KJS]

Whilst Mitro deserves his ban the whole process has been trial by media!!!!