Manchester United and Arsenal are facing an FA investigation following a fiery encounter at the Emirates Stadium during Sunday’s FA Cup third-round match. United triumphed on penalties despite playing with 10 men for over 70 minutes, but the game was overshadowed by a chaotic 20-player brawl.
Referee Andy Madley handed out nine yellow cards during the tense match, including one to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. United’s Diogo Dalot received two yellow cards, resulting in his dismissal shortly after the hour mark, intensifying the already charged atmosphere.
The flashpoint came when Madley awarded Arsenal a penalty for an alleged foul by Harry Maguire on Kai Havertz. United players reacted angrily, and tensions boiled over when Alejandro Garnacho clashed with Havertz.
Manuel Ugarte also appeared to push his head towards Havertz, who fell to the ground. Despite the apparent headbutt, no players were penalized as Madley missed the incident, and there was no VAR to review the situation in the FA Cup third round.
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has weighed in, predicting repercussions for both clubs. He recalled a similar situation in his career, where a 21-player brawl led to FA sanctions, including points deductions.
“This mass confrontation will certainly be investigated by the FA,” Hackett told Football Insider. “In a past incident, I reported the clash, and both teams were docked points. I expect charges for failing to control players in this case as well.”
Hackett also noted that the use of VAR could have changed the outcome of the match.
Losing Manuel Ugarte, a key figure in United’s midfield alongside Kobbie Mainoo, would be a significant setback for manager Ruben Amorim, potentially overshadowing what was otherwise an important victory for the Red Devils.
