Fulham experienced a rather calamitous end in Sunday day evening's FA Cup tie with Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Cottage had a night to forget after picking up three red cards in quick succession in the second half, subsequently collapsing to a disappointing 2-1 defeat against the Red Devils.
After the stalemates in the first half, Aleksandar Mitrović had put Fulham ahead with a fine finish inside the 50th minute. With the lead, the visitors still dominated proceedings and it looked as though Manchester United were on the brink of elimination. However, the script changed in the blink of an eye, with the turn of events resulting in the sending off of Marco Silva, Willian and goalscorer Mitrovic.
In the 71st minute Willian blocked Jadon Sancho's goal-bound attempt on the line and a subsequent check by the Video Assistant Referee revealed that the Brazilian had used his arm to stop the ball. He conceded a penalty and was shown the red card as a result. Out of fury, Mitrović moved to protest referee Chris Kavanagh's decision, but the Serbian was shown the red card after man-handling the referee in the process. Fulham manager Marco Silva was also made to leave the pitchside within th same timeframe, piking up a red card for dissent.
Watch:
Mitro is clearly trying to get the refs attention and have a peaceful conversation, meanwhile he's walking away like a smug coward.
— Barstool Football (@StoolFootball) March 19, 2023
Look how quickly he pulled out that red card, he was waiting, BEGGING for Mitrovic to touch him! pic.twitter.com/9u2Jdqprnr
Following the chaos that ensued, Bruno Fernandes stepped up to convert the penalty to level the scoreline. The Portuguese playmaker ended the night with a brace by blasting home Manchester United's third after Marcel Sabitzer had scored his first goal for the club to put them ahead. With the result, Erik ten Hag's side has progressed to the semi-finals - a record 31st in the competition - and will take on Brighton & Hove Albion. The winner of the tie will play against whoever comes up victorious in the other meeting between Manchester City and Sheffield United.
