Manchester United and Arsenal are under FA investigation following a heated confrontation during Sunday’s FA Cup third-round match at the Emirates Stadium.
United secured victory on penalties despite playing with 10 men for over 70 minutes, but the game was overshadowed by a 20-player brawl.
Referee Andy Madley issued nine yellow cards throughout the match, including one to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
Diogo Dalot received two yellows, resulting in his dismissal just after the hour mark, further intensifying the charged atmosphere.
The turning point came when Madley awarded Arsenal a penalty for a controversial Harry Maguire foul on Kai Havertz.
The decision enraged United players, leading to a clash between Alejandro Garnacho and Havertz. Manuel Ugarte also got involved, appearing to push his head towards Havertz, who fell to the ground.
However, Madley did not penalize the incident, and with no VAR available in this FA Cup round, the situation went unpunished.
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has weighed in, predicting serious repercussions for both clubs.
Hackett recalled a past incident where a mass brawl led to FA sanctions, including points deductions. “This confrontation will likely lead to charges for failing to control players,” Hackett told *Football Insider*.
Hackett also suggested that VAR could have changed the game’s outcome.
Losing Manuel Ugarte, a key midfielder for United alongside Kobbie Mainoo, would be a significant blow for manager Ruben Amorim, potentially overshadowing what was otherwise a hard-fought and impressive victory for the Red Devils.
