Fulham manager Marco Silva has apologised to referee Chris Kavanagh after his sending off in their FA Cup defeat against Manchester United earlier this month.
In a joint apology published on the club website, Silva and striker Aleksander Mitrovic said sorry for their conduct during Fulham’s 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford.
Silva’s apology read: “Emotions were high at Old Trafford and, as I said in my press conference after the game, I should have controlled my own emotions better. It was a very difficult moment, in a match that we had dominated, but I could have handled the situation better.
“I regret what happened, and I have spoken to Chris Kavanagh to apologise. He knows that I respect him and the job he has to do. Unfortunately, we did not see eye-to-eye on the day, but I recognise that he is one of the top referees in this country and I know that, when our paths cross again, there will be mutual respect between us.
“I am sorry that I was not on the pitch to try to lead the team to what could have been an historic FA Cup Semi-Final at Wembley, but I am thankful for all the support I have received from Fulham fans over the last few days.”
Mitrovic added: “I have been away with my national team and have had some time to reflect on the Manchester United match. As everyone knows, it was a very emotional one, in which the team gave absolutely everything on the pitch to try to reach the Semi-Final of the FA Cup.
“On a personal level, I regret my actions that led to me being sent off. I allowed my frustration to get the better of me, and how I reacted was wrong. I was trying to get the referee’s attention, but I appreciate that I should not have put my hands on him and I understand why he showed me a red card, my first in-game sending off for Fulham and my first since the 2015/16 season.
“I have accepted the three-match ban for my red card, I have spoken to Chris Kavanagh to apologise, and I have volunteered to accept a Club fine. I now want to do what I can to put this incident behind me and get back to helping my teammates on the pitch as soon as possible.
“In the meantime, I would like to reiterate my regret that this happened. I have already said sorry to my teammates, but I would also like to apologise to the Fulham fans, particularly those who travelled to Old Trafford to support us and who did not stop singing all game. I hope to be back soon and repay their faith and support.”
BREAKING: Aleksandar Mitrovic and Marco Silva have both apologised to referee Chris Kavanagh for their behaviour during Fulham's FA Cup defeat to Manchester United. pic.twitter.com/YO9VO17j0F
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 29, 2023
Footage courtesy of Sky Sports News
The incident came after Willian was dismissed for a clear handball on the line. That lead to Mitrovic mishandling referee Kavanagh and Silva was shown a red card for his protests on the sideline during which he left his technical area to approach the official.
Silva’s rant didn’t stop there as he reach peak conspiracy mode. He slated Kavanagh in his post-match press conference and accused him of making a series of wrong calls against Fulham this season.
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