Wolves Striker Matheus Cunha Faces Additional FA Charge Following Red Card Incident

Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Matheus Cunha has been charged by the Football Association (FA) following his red card in the FA Cup penalty shootout loss to Bournemouth. The FA alleges that Cunha engaged in "improper conduct" after being sent off late in extra time for an altercation with Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez.

The 25-year-old forward was dismissed after an aggressive exchange in which he appeared to kick, shove, and attempt a headbutt on Kerkez. The incident, occurring in the dying moments of extra time, saw referee Sam Barrott brandish a straight red card. However, Cunha reacted furiously, refusing to leave the pitch immediately and having to be forcibly escorted down the tunnel.

Cunha, who had earlier netted Wolves' equalizer at the Vitality Stadium, now faces an automatic three-match suspension. This will rule him out of upcoming fixtures against Everton, Southampton, and West Ham. However, the FA charge could lead to an additional game being added to his ban, which would see him miss a key relegation battle against Ipswich Town on April 5. Wolves currently sit 17th in the Premier League, just five points above Ipswich, who are in the relegation zone.

This is not the first time Cunha has found himself in disciplinary trouble this season. In December, he was handed a two-match suspension and an £80,000 fine following an altercation with an Ipswich Town security official. During that incident, Cunha grabbed the staff member’s glasses in a heated post-match confrontation. Although he later apologized and offered to replace the glasses, the FA still imposed a ban.

Despite his disciplinary issues, Cunha remains a crucial player for Wolves, leading the club’s scoring charts with 15 goals in all competitions this season, five of which have come in his last six appearances. However, his absence due to suspension could pose a significant challenge for Wolves as they fight to maintain their top-flight status.

Cunha has until Monday, March 10, to respond to the FA’s charge. Depending on the outcome, Wolves may need to prepare for an extended period without their talismanic forward.

As the club awaits the final ruling, head coach Vitor Pereira acknowledged the heightened emotions during the match, stating, "In games like this, emotions run high. It’s unfortunate, but we must move forward." Meanwhile, Cunha took to social media to express remorse, writing, "I lost my head at the end. I apologize."

The FA’s decision on Cunha’s potential extended ban could prove pivotal in Wolves’ fight for Premier League survival, with crucial fixtures ahead that could determine their fate in the top tier of English football.

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