Manchester United and Arsenal have been warned they face an FA investigation after a 20-player brawl erupted during Sunday's FA Cup third-round tie at the Emirates Stadium. The match, won by United on penalties despite playing over 70 minutes with ten men, saw tensions boil over in a heated clash.
Referee Andy Madley booked nine individuals, including Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, and sent off United's Diogo Dalot for a second yellow card on the hour mark. The flashpoint came when Madley awarded Arsenal a penalty after Harry Maguire fouled Kai Havertz, allowing Gabriel Magalhaes to cancel out Bruno Fernandes' opener.
Cameras captured a mass confrontation involving Alejandro Garnacho grappling with Havertz, with Manuel Ugarte appearing to push his head into the German forward, sending him to the ground. Madley missed the incident, and with no VAR in operation for the third round, no punishment was handed out on the day.
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett believes both clubs will be charged for failing to control their players, recalling a similar 21-man brawl from his officiating career that led to points deductions for both teams. 'The mass confrontation... will be the subject of an investigation by the Football Association,' Hackett told Football Insider.
Losing Ugarte to a potential suspension would be a major blow for United boss Ruben Amorim, who has relied on the Uruguayan alongside Kobbie Mainoo in midfield. The fallout from the brawl could dampen what was otherwise a memorable victory for the Red Devils.
