Manuel Ugarte could face retrospective action from the Football Association for his role in an on-field brawl during the match Manchester United recorded a thrilling FA Cup win over Arsenal on Sunday.
Excitement mounted midway through the second half when Arsenal were awarded a penalty for an alleged foul on Kai Havertz by Harry Maguire, who was furious at the decision. United's anxiety escalated into a brawl between several players, at the center of which Ugarte and Havertz found themselves.
Havertz ended up on the ground after a clash with Ugarte, who appeared to be directing his head towards the player Arsenal forward. While the contact has been minimal, the FA will have to question Ugarte's intentions.
As there was no VAR in operation – the system would not be used until the fifth round of the FA Cup – Ugarte's action was not reviewed and was apparently faulted by the on-field referee, who did not show the midfielder a yellow card.
Havertz, who was also seen putting his hand around Ugarte's throat, was shown a yellow card, indicating that the referee had recorded the German's actions and given what he felt was the appropriate punishment.
If Ugarte misses the alleged headbutt, it could spark an investigation that could lead to a ban for the summer signing, who won united Fans in recent weeks have been criticized for his harsh attitude during matches.
“When we have the ball, it's a game, when we don't have it, it's a battle,” Ugarte wrote on social media after the match. “Let's always keep it together.”
