Romelu Lukaku could miss Manchester United's games with City and Arsenal after appearing to kick Brighton player
The incident was missed by officials at the time but caught on TV replays
Romelu Lukaku could be handed a three-game ban that would see him miss Manchester United’s top-of-the-table clash with Manchester City at Old Trafford next month.
The Belgian forward was caught on camera seemingly kicking Brighton and Hove Albion defender Gaetan Bong in the groin as the pair tangled in the penalty area moments before Ashley Young’s winner looping into the back of the net via a huge Lewis Dunk deflection.
The incident occurred in the 66th minute of the game and went unnoticed by the officials and commentators at the time but fans noticed in on television replays as the kick was circulated on social media.
Lukaku will find out on Monday if he has been charged with the FA aware of the incident but will study referee Neil Swarbrick’s report before viewing the footage in greater detail.
The striker, who is struggling for form after a blistering start to the season, faces a potential charge of violent conduct, which carries an automatic three-match ban.
That means Lukaku would miss Tuesday’s game with Watford and Saturday’s trip to Arsenal, as well as the derby with City on 10 December.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies