Manuel Ugarte could face a subsequent lawsuit from the Football Association over his role in an on-field brawl Manchester United’s dramatic FA Cup triumph over Arsenal on Sunday.
The excitement was simmering midway through the second half when Arsenal were awarded a penalty for an alleged foul by Harry Maguire on Kai Havertz, who was furious at the decision. United’s fear escalated into a multi-player brawl, with Ugarte and Havertz at the center.
Havertz ended up on the ground after a collision with Ugarte, who appeared to stick his head towards the Arsenal striker. Although contact was minimal, the FA will have to question Ugarte’s intentions.
With no VAR in use – the system will not be used until the fifth round of the FA Cup – Ugarte’s action was not reviewed and appears to have been overlooked by the pitch official, who did not show the midfielder a yellow card.
Havertz, who was also seen with his hand around Ugarte’s throat, received a yellow card, suggesting the referee registered the German’s actions and handed out what he believed was the appropriate penalty.
If Ugarte’s alleged headbutt missed, it could trigger an investigation that could lead to a ban for the summer signing, who has won over United fans with his reckless behavior during games in recent weeks.
“When we have the ball it’s a game and when we don’t have it it’s a fight,” Ugarte wrote on social media after the game. “Let’s always carry on together.”