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      Watford FC physio Phil Edwards ‘carried out horrifying sex attacks on 29 teen boys at club’, report claims

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      A WATFORD FC physio sexually abused 29 teenage boys while working at the club, a report has found.The Championship side investigated allegations against Phil Edwards, who is thought to have killed himself in 2019 while facing claims he had assaulted a boy.
      Watford’s investigation found 29 potential victims of football physio Phil EdwardsCredit: Getty
      Paedophile physio Edwards is believed to have killed himself in June 2019Credit: UPPA/Photoshot
      It has now been revealed that as many as 29 potential victims were contacted by Watford, as well as six members of staff.
      The inquiry heard how Edwards was known to some at the Hertfordshire club as “Paedo Phil” and “Feel me up Phil”.
      Some 18 of the survivors provided signed accounts of their alleged abuse by Edwards when they were aged between 13 and 15.
      Edwards was arrested in June 2019 on suspicion of sexual activity with a child at his Woodside physiotherapy clinic in Watford.
      Read More On Football Abuse Scandal
      A fortnight later the 60-year-old was found dead at the home where he lived alone, with police suggesting he killed himself.
      Another 18 police complaints were filed against him for alleged child sexual offences between 1998 and 2019.
      Edwards is believed to have abused players at Watford’s Vicarage Road ground as well as his private clinic and his home in the 1980s and 1990s.
      The details have been revealed in a newly-published addition to Clive Sheldon KC’s independent report into child sexual abuse in football.
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      Some of the assaults are alleged to have happened at Watford’s Vicarage Road groundCredit: Getty
      The inquiry found English football did not do enough to protect children from predatory coaches from 1970 to 2005, cataloguing failings by eight clubs – including Chelsea and Manchester City – to act on concerns.
      Watford has now apologised to all victims they contacted, today’s addendum to the report says.
      Survivors told of Edwards carrying out unnecessary groin examinations, ordering them to strip naked and squat before he lay alongside them, given boys alcohol and showed them pornography, as well as encouraging them to “perform sexual acts”.
      Some also described how “Edwards appeared to enjoy inflicting pain on them and laughed or shouted at them if they cried”.
      Watford said they could find no payroll record nor personnel file to “show that Edwards was ever employed” by them, though acknowledged he provided physiotherapy services there and held “a position of influence and access within the club”.
      They also said the former members of staff they contacted “all denied any knowledge of the alleged abuse by Edwards”.
      One survivor alleged that club legend and former England manager Graham Taylor was told of the accusations against Edwards while he was Watford boss but “nothing was done”.
      Two members of staff who allegedly witnessed the conversation have denied doing so and Mr Sheldon accepted Watford’s insistence there was “no corroborating evidence to support that any staff member knew that the alleged abuse by Edwards was taking place”.
      He also highlighted the importance of Taylor, who died aged 72 in January 2017, being unable to contribute to the investigation.
      Lawyers representing the club reached out-of-court settlements in January with five former youth team players who said Edwards sexually abused them.
      In a statement, Watford said: “As a club, Watford FC wishes to apologise to all young people who experienced the behaviour perpetrated by the late Phil Edwards, while holding a position of influence and access within the club.
      “We thank the survivors for their courage and dignity in all of their dealings with Watford FC, their patience also which allowed us to both conduct a thorough internal investigation and work with Clive Sheldon KC and his team with regards to their own independent findings.
      “We are doing, and will continue to do, everything we can to ensure that the boys, girls, men and women who play for this club – and indeed anyone who works for or with the club – will not have to endure the experiences these young people did.
      “Watford FC will continue to champion best practice in relation to the safeguarding and welfare of the people in its charge.
      “Further, the input and observations of survivors, based on their experiences, will always be welcome in the future.
      “Support remains available for anyone who believes it would be beneficial to them.”
      Football’s abuse scandal was exposed in 2016 with allegations about former youth coach Barry Bennell, who is now serving a 34-year prison sentence for sex offences against young boys.
      Among the ex-players who came forward to reveal they had been abused by Bennell when youngsters were former Bury and Sheffield United footballer Andy Woodward, the first to speak out, and then ex-England, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool star Paul Stewart.
      Former Chelsea youth player Bennell worked for Crewe Alexandra in the 1980s and 1990s and also had links with Manchester City and Stoke City.
      The FA said in today’s statement: “We continue to offer support to anyone who has been impacted by non-recent child sexual abuse in football.
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      “If anyone is ready to come forward at this time, they can do so without waiving their anonymity and there is support in place if they want to access it.
      “Abuse can be reported via the NSPCC Helpline on 0800 023 2642 or the police.”
      Football’s abuse scandal was exposed in 2016 with accusations against serial offender Barry Bennell, now serving a 34-year jail term for abusing young boysCredit: PA More

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      England football chiefs replace Snickers sponsor in new health drive

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      BARS of Snickers chocolate have been subbed by England footie chiefs in a new health drive.The treat, a partner of the England and Scotland teams, has been replaced by healthier Kind cereal bars.
      Snickers will no longer be sponsoring the England football teamCredit:
      FA officials did not want stars including Harry Kane and Beth Mead to be associated with Snickers after last year launching The Greater Game scheme to inspire youngsters to be healthier.
      Instead they will now be ­promoting Kind bars, which have a lower sugar and calorie count, and Extra chewing gum.
      The move is part of a new sponsorship deal with Kind owners Mars ­covering this year’s women’s World Cup and 2025 Euros, and the men’s Euros in 2024 and the World Cup in 2026.
      Kerry Cavanaugh, UK marketing boss of Mars Wrigley, said: “For this latest chapter of our FA partnership it felt right to focus on a new healthier product.
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      “Our Kind bars and Extra gum are a better fit for that than Snickers.”
      Navin Singh, FA commercial director, said: “This evolving partnership aligns perfectly with our passion to encourage ­balanced lifestyles.”
      Mars, which bought the Kind brand in 2020, has been an FA sponsor since 2009.
      Last year the FA ended a 20-year sponsorship tie-up with fast food giant McDonald’s, the longest in the FA’s history.
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      I was youngest ever Premier League owner – I got £10,000 out in pound coins to pay an FA fine then they suspended it

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      SIMON JORDAN was once the youngest-ever owner of a Premier League club.But that didn’t stop him from attempting to pay a mammoth £10,000 FA fine with a WHEELBARROW of one-pound coins.
      Simon Jordan admits trying to pay a £10,000 FA fine with a wheelbarrow of one-pound coinsCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPER LTD
      Jordan was once the youngest owner of a Premier League after leading Crystal PalaceCredit: PA:Press Association
      Jordan, 55, is currently one of the leading voices on talkSPORT radio.
      Earlier in his career, he took charge of Crystal Palace despite only being 32 years old at the time.
      It made him the youngest-ever owner and chairman of a Premier League club.
      And Jordan recounted the moment he was handed a hefty fine by FA chiefs during his time at the Eagles’ helm.
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      He was slapped with a £10k punishment in 2005 over comments made in a newspaper.
      Jordan’s penalty was eventually suspended by the FA.
      And he admits being left disappointed as he’d already scraped the £10k together with a wheelbarrow full of one-pound coins.
      Jordan told talkSPORT: “When the FA fined me £10,000, I promised to deliver it in a wheelbarrow of pound coins.
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      “They then suspended the penalty, so I had this £10,000 in pound coins and didn’t know what to do with it, so years later [I finally got to do it].”
      Jordan’s admission came as he paid a £1,000 wager to pundit pal Jim White in 20p coins.
      That’s after initially attempting to hand over the dosh in pennies.
      Handing a huge sack to White, Jordan said: “The moment has come Jimbo. 
      “You said the man doesn’t pay his bets, here’s your £1000 for your lucky bet, here it is, the lowest common denominator I could get, it’s all yours, spend it in slot machines.
      “They’re not pound coins but I tried to get pennies, the bank manager said ‘I can’t get you 100,000 pennies, it’s 20ps Jimbo.
      “50 kilos that was. I gave my driver a day off then I suddenly realised how am I going to get this in, I’ve been lugging it in on a trolley. Jim will probably count it and say ‘there’s 999,980p, what have you done with the other 20?’”
      White explained to listeners: “So I had a bet with Simon that Newcastle would finish top six and it was a £1000 charity bet. 
      “I’ve been on at him to bring it in, and he’s brought it in 20 pences, I do not believe it.
      “We’ll get in touch with Newcastle and get their advice on which charity we give the money to.”
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      Jordan then refused to take the sack back, adding: “No mate it’s yours, I’ve paid my bet, it’s nothing to do with me anymore, get some exercise. Enjoy.
      “I phoned my bank and said I want 1ps, they said ‘can’t get you 1ps, what about 20ps’ I said ‘how much is that going to weigh?’ and they said 46 kilos.” More

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      FA reveal conversation between Klopp and ref Tierney that sparked furious row as Liverpool boss is hit with ban

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      THE FA have revealed the details of the conversation between Jurgen Klopp and Paul Tierney that triggered the Liverpool boss’ suspension.Klopp was hit with a two-game touchline ban for his comments regarding the referee on April 30 – although one of those is suspended until the end of next season.
      Jurgen Klopp was hit with a ban and a fine after his comments about Paul TierneyCredit: Reuters
      The Reds chief also got hit with a fine worth £75,000 for what he said.
      Klopp, 55, was charged the day after he accused Tierney of having an agenda against his team and giving biased decisions – despite failing to send off match-winner Diogo Jota in the dramatic 4-3 victory over Spurs.
      And as part of the disciplinary commission which heard the case on Monday, the conversation on the touchline when Klopp celebrated in fourth official John Brooks’ face then argued with Tierney was publicised.
      Brooks told Tierney: “Jurgen Klopp has just run and celebrated in my face. I think it’s a yellow card mate, minimum.”
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      The commission agreed: “Mr Brooks considered Mr Klopp’s conduct to be misplaced celebration rather than an aggressive or threatening move.”
      Tierney then asked the VAR officials in Stockley Park for advice and was told a yellow card was sufficient.
      When he went to issue the card, Tierney told Klopp: “Right. I have to show you yellow.
      “It could be red, but I am going to show you yellow. He said yellow. We will give you the benefit of the doubt, don’t do anything more.”
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      In a written submission, Klopp said he was “sorry”, describing that as “the most important sentiment I must express”.
      Klopp claimed on May 2: “Paul Tierney came over to me. I didn’texpect a red card, to be honest because I didn’t feel that was right.
      “I expected a yellow card in that moment. And he said to me, ‘For me it’s a red card, but because of him.’
      “That’s what I understood, so it was loud in the stadium, but, ‘Because of him, it’s yellow.’
      “Shows me yellow card, smiles in my face, that’s it. I [said], ‘Red card? For what?'”
      The FA confirmed the conduct on the touchline did not warrant the charge – although it provided background information – and it was his TV interview that prompted the punishment.
      Klopp said to the media: “We have our history with Tierney, I really don’t know what he has against us.
      “He has said there [are] no problems but that cannot be true.”
      ‘I AM SORRY’
      FA lawyers described Klopp’s comments as “a particularly serious example of misconduct involving media comments about a match official” and that they were “particularly more damaging” than typical post-match gripes.
      The commission found that these were “allegations of persistent bias against a blameless referee”, “highly damaging” and “unacceptable”.
      Klopp admitted his comments were “improper” as “they imply bias, question the integrity of the referee, are personal, offensive, and bring the game into disrepute”.
      The German added: “I am sorry for some of the tone and content of my post-match interview.
      “Although it was not my intention I accept now it appears that I was questioning Mr Tierney’s integrity.
      “I take ownership of this. On reflection, the words I used were inappropriate.
      “To be absolutely clear, I know that Mr Tierney, along with all other officials, do their work without any pre-conceived bias or prejudice.”

      It was expected Klopp would be hit with a two-game ban, ruling him out of the rest of the campaign.
      Instead, while Klopp will be in the stands for Liverpool’s game against Aston Villa on Saturday, he will be able to return to a pitchside view for the final game of the campaign at Southampton on May 28. More

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      Jurgen Klopp CHARGED by FA over ref rant and Tottenham antics as Liverpool boss ‘faces long ban’

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      JURGEN KLOPP has been charged by the FA after his verbal attack on ref Paul Tierney.The Liverpool boss faces a heavy fine and touchline ban for accusing Tierney of having an agenda against the Reds on Sunday.
      Jurgen Klopp has been charged by the FA after his verbal attack on Paul TierneyCredit: EPA
      An FA spokesperson said: “Liverpool FC’s Jurgen Klopp has been charged following their Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur FC on Sunday 30 April.
      “It is alleged that the manager’s comments regarding the match official during post-match media interviews constitutes improper conduct in that they imply bias, and/or question the integrity of the referee, and/or are personal/offensive, and/or bring the game into disrepute.
      “Jurgen Klopp has until Friday 5 May to provide a response.”
      Klopp’s blast against Tierney came after Liverpool’s dramatic 4-3 win over Tottenham on Sunday.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Klopp went before the Sky cameras to claim: “We have our history with Tierney, I really don’t know what he has against us.
      “He has said there [are] no problems but that cannot be true.”
      The German was earlier booked for celebrating Diogo Jota’s winner by steaming up to fourth official John Brooks.
      And he was left fuming by a touchline interaction with Tierney, later telling reporters: “Paul Tierney came over to me, I didn’t expect for a second a red card, and he said: ‘For me it’s a red card but because of him (the fourth official) it’s a yellow’.”
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      Klopp’s comments prompted a strongly-worded reaction from the PGMOL, who said: “PGMOL is aware of the comments made by Jurgen Klopp after his side’s fixture with Tottenham Hotspur. 
      “Match officials in the Premier League are recorded in all games via a communications system.
      “Having fully reviewed the audio of referee Paul Tierney from today’s fixture, we can confirm he acted in a professional manner throughout including when issuing the caution to the Liverpool manager.
      “So, therefore, we strongly refute any suggestion that Tierney’s actions were improper.”
      Klopp has since admitted his temper got the better of him in the exchange and revealed he expected to land a reprimand as a consequence of his actions.
      He added: “I know Paul Tierney is not doing this on purpose, absolutely not, but we have this history. It hasn’t happened intentionally but it’s still there.
      “I really regret the headlines I created. I have no clue what happens now. We haven’t heard anything yet.
      “I probably have to expect a punishment. The red card I got against City was in the same spot, foul against the same player, Mo Salah.”
      Klopp was left fuming after a heated interaction with TierneyCredit: Reuters
      Spurs boss Ryan Mason also blasted Tierney following the gamesCredit: Alamy
      Should Klopp be punished, he is likely to be hit with a fine and touchline ban by the FA.
      Jose Mourinho’s half-time attack on Jonathan Moss in Chelsea’s 2015 2-1 defeat at West Ham landed him with a one-match stadium ban and £40,000 fine.
      And Klopp is likely to already be feeling worse for wear after injuring his hamstring while celebrating Liverpool’s controversial winner.
      Klopp wasn’t the only manager left fuming with Tierney on Sunday, with Spurs caretaker Ryan Mason blasting the official for not sending off match-winner Jota for catching Oliver Skipp in the head with his boots.
      Mason said: “It’s one of the clearest red cards I’ve seen, it’s difficult to take. It’s an impossible one to miss.
      “When you talk about endangering an opponent, to draw blood from a stud when Skipp’s head is five-and-a-half feet in the air baffles me.
      “That type of decision is maybe the difference between winning the game or not.
      “It’s tough to understand and I would like an explanation.
      “I saw the incident in real time and you have a feel for those sort of moments. The VAR official has the benefit of a replay.
      “I would like an explanation and a reason why it wasn’t [a red card].
      “I can understand referees and officials on the pitch missing it even though my feeling was an instant red card because when your foot is studs showing and you’re five-and-a-half feet off the ground and make contact with a player’s head and draw blood, and there is a gash, I think it ticks all the boxes.
      “Probably more so an experienced referee in the VAR room, you want him to help the official on the pitch in that moment.

      “Listen, it’s decided the game because that player on the pitch shouldn’t have been on there at the end.
      “I’m pretty sure most football people’s opinions will probably feel the same.” More

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      Tottenham and Brighton hit with biggest Premier League fines of the season after De Zerbi and Stellini bust-up

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      TOTTENHAM and Brighton have been fined £100,000 each following the touchline brawl between the two benches in the recent Premier League game.The ill-tempered match, that saw interim Spurs boss Cristian Stellini and Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi clash before kick-off, flared up in the second half with a mass confrontation between staff from both dugouts.
      Tottenham and Brighton have been fined £100,000 each by the FACredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Cristian Stellini and Robert De Zerbi clashed on the sidelinesCredit: Twitter / @SkySportsPL
      That led to Stellini, who appeared an innocent bystander, and De Zerbi being sent to the stands and both clubs have now been fined by the Football Association.
      An FA statement read: “Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton and Hove Albion have been fined £100,000 each for a mass confrontation that occurred during their Premier League match on Saturday 8 April.
      “Both clubs admitted they failed to ensure their benches conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and did not behave in a way which is proper during the 58th minute.
      “An independent regulatory commission imposed their fines following a subsequent hearing.”
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      The £100,000 punishments are the biggest fines dished out to Premier League clubs this season.
      The previous highest is understood to be the £75,000 for Manchester City for failing to ensure their players behaved in an orderly fashion at Arsenal in February.
      Tottenham’s 2-1 win over Brighton was shrouded in controversy as Brighton had two goals disallowed and two strong penalty appeals waved away.
      Fans were left in disbelief that Karou Mitoma’s effort was ruled out, claiming the ball had in fact hit him on the shoulder.
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      The Seagulls also felt they should have been given a penalty when Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg appeared to trip Mitoma in the box.
      And the red cards for the gaffers were brandished following a melee between the two dugouts after Alexis Mac Allister’s strike was disallowed.
      PGMOL chief Howard Webb had to apologise for the errors after the game.
      A seething Lewis Dunk did not hold back at VAR in his post-match interview.
      The Brighton centre-back dropped an F-bomb at the start of the chat, before quickly apologising.
      But his rant continued.
      He fumed: “There’s no point having VAR in the game if you’re not going to make big decisions like that.”
      Webb also apoogised to the Seagulls when they had a perfectly legitimate goal chalked off for offside in the 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.
      They were also unhappy this weekend when Christian Pulisic escaped punishment for an apparent handball in the Chelsea penalty area – although De Zerbi’s side did come back to in 2-1. More

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      Aleksandar Mitrovic slapped with EIGHT-MATCH ban after Man Utd madness in one of biggest punishments in Prem history

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      ALEXSANDAR MITROVIC has been banned for EIGHT matches following his furious Old Trafford meltdown.The Fulham striker shoved and reacted angrily at referee Chris Kavanagh when he awarded a penalty and sent off team-mate Willian in the FA Cup quarter-final defeat.
      Aleksandar Mitrovic has got an eight-game ban following his sending off at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Kavanagh showed the red card – prompting an automatic three-game ban.
      But now the FA have slapped him with an extra five matches and a £75,000 fine.
      Manager Marco Silva, also red carded in the flashpoint, got a two-game touchline ban and £40,000 fine for his behaviour and comments.
      Mitrovic served the first of those eight in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth.
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      He will now miss Fulham’s next seven matches before returning for May’s trip to Southampton.
      The Serb is also available for the London derby at home to Crystal Palace and the away day back to the scene of the crime, Old Trafford, for the final game of the season.
      The FA said: “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 forward denied this, but it was upheld by the Regulatory Commission, and a three-match ban was imposed.
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      “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.”
      The eight-match ban is similar to the punishments dished out to David Prutton and Paolo Di Canio.
      Prutton got ten games in 2005 for pushing Alan Wiley after his red card while Di Canio missed 11 matches for shoving ref Paul Alcock to the ground.
      The longest bans in Premier League history were the nine-month suspensions for Eric Cantona’s kung-fu kick and Mark Bosnich for taking cocaine.
      Biggest Premier League bans
      Mark Bosnich – 9 months
      Australian goalkeeper Bosnich was sacked by Chelsea after being found guilty of taking cocaine
      Eric Cantona – 9 months
      Cantona jumped into the crowd to kung-fu kick a Crystal Palace fan and also got 120 hours of community service
      Rio Ferdinand – 8 months
      Ferdinand got a big ban in 2003 after missing a drugs test and claimed he was out shopping
      Adrian Mutu – 7 months
      Mutu’s Chelsea spell was cut short after testing positive for cocaine
      Kolo Toure – 6 months
      Tour got the ban after being found with performance-enhancing substances – but it was overturned as the FA believed it was taken unknowingly
      Paolo Di Canio – 11 games
      Di Canio sent referee Paul Alcock tumbling to the turf amid a row between Sheffield Wednesday and Arsenal
      David Prutton – 10 games
      Prutton also pushed a ref, Alan Wiley, during a game with Arsenal – and got a £6,000 fine too
      Aleksandar Mitrovic – 8 games
      Mitrovic shoved ref Chris Kavanagh in a furious reaction to red cards for Willian and Marco Silva after awarding a penalty

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      Fulham boss Marco Silva faces even bigger ban after Man Utd outburst as he’s slapped with fresh FA charges

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      FULHAM boss Marco Silva has been hit by ANOTHER FA charge – and could see his looming red card ban extended.Silva was already in hot water after being sent off by ref Chris Kavanagh for his reaction to Willian’s VAR dismissal in the FA Cup defeat at Manchester United.
      Marco Silva could get a longer ban after his post-FA Cup comments about ref Chris KavanaghCredit: Getty
      The red card and then the Cottagers’ boss angry reaction was the apparent catalyst for Aleksandar Mitrovic shoving Kavanagh to also be sent off as Fulham lost their heads.
      But now the Portuguese manager’s post-match comments, in which he suggested Kavanagh might have an agenda against his team, have led to the latest Wembley charge.
      Silva pointed to Kavanagh’s displays in games against West Ham and Leeds as he said: “Unfortunately for us we have been very unlucky with Chris Kavanagh this season, many moments.
      “Chris was in a game we played away at West Ham where we lost with two clear handballs. We received the apology because of the mistakes.
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      “The last game at Leeds in the FA Cup it was him again. And for a game that is the quarter-finals, it’s him again.’
      Silva then suggested Fulham had been wrongly denied two first-half spot-kicks, adding: “It cannot be in a quarter-final and both teams have to have the same conditions.
      “There is pressure to play United away at Old Trafford. The referee sometimes feels the pressure because they are here.
      “It is really difficult to accept the things that are happening this season week by week.”
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      Confirming the misconduct charge, an FA spokesperson said: “It’s alleged that his comments constitute improper conduct in that they imply bias and/or question the integrity of the match official, and/or bring the game into disrepute.
      “The manager has until Wednesday 29 March to provide his response.”
      Silva faces a minimum of a significant fine in addition to a likely three-game ban for his touchline behaviour, although FA beaks could add an extra game to the suspension.
      An independent commission is due to be held next month to decide Mitrovic’s lengthy punishment, likely to be a ban of up to ten games, while Fulham will also be fined for failing to control their players.
      Alexandr Mitrovic and Willian were both sent off for FulhamCredit: AFP
      Mitrovic could be banned for up to ten gamesCredit: Reuters More