Wolves’ star striker Matheus Cunha could face a lengthy ban after being red-carded for violent conduct during his club’s on-penalties FA Cup defeat at AFC Bournemouth this afternoon.
Having levelled for the Old Gold, who are 17th in the Premier League, one place and five points ahead of the Blues, to make the fifth round tie 1-1, Cunha was dismissed by referee Sam Barrott in the closing moments of extra-time for punching, kicking and headbutting Cherries defender Milos Kerkez.
The Brazilian international subsequently appeared to refuse to leave the touchline while arguing with staff who were pointing him towards the dressing room.
A red card for violent conduct triggers an automatic three-match suspension but Cunha could face a longer spell on the sidelines depending on the referee’s report and how the FA might view the incident.
Following Town’s 2-1 win at Molineux in December, Cunha elbowed and aggressively removed a member of the Blues’ security staff’s glasses.
The clash was missed by referee Simon Hooper but the 26-year-old later accepted an FA charge and was suspended for two matches and fined £80,000.
Given that background, the FA may look to extend his ban beyond the three which will see Wolves’ 15-goal top scorer miss the Premier League games against Everton, Southampton and West Ham. A one-match extension would see him miss the trip to Portman Road in April.
Cunha apologised to his teammates in an Instagram story after the match: "In the end, another game where you guys did your best. I couldn’t lose my head at the end. Sorry.”
Head coach Vitor Pereira said: "After this game the emotional side was very high. A lot of pressure. In the end [Cunha’s reaction] is what can happen. It should not happen, but this is something that happens in football and we must deal with the situation.”
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Meanwhile, Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner expects striker Jean-Philippe Mateta to miss next Saturday’s Premier League match against Town at Selhurst Park after the Frenchman suffered a serious ear injury in the Eagles’ 3-1 FA Cup victory over Millwall.
Mateta, who scored the only goal when the teams met at Portman Road in December, was stretchered off in the 15th minute following a high challenge from Millwall keeper Liam Roberts, who was red-carded.