Harry Maguire could face longer ban before Leeds trip after FA improper conduct charge | OneFootball

Harry Maguire could face a longer suspension after being charged with improper conduct, and he will miss Manchester United’s Premier League meeting with Leeds at Old Trafford through an automatic one-match ban on Monday, 13 April. The FA said in a statement that the defender has been charged and has until Thursday 2 April to respond.

The 33-year-old was shown a straight red in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth after pulling down Evanilson in the area. Referee Stuart Attwell judged it a clear denial of a goalscoring opportunity in the 78th minute.

The charge alleges improper behaviour and abusive or insulting words or conduct towards the fourth official following his dismissal, which could lengthen his ban. Any appeal of the misconduct charge would not affect the Leeds fixture, and he would only be available if the red card were rescinded.

Manager Michael Carrick criticised the decision, highlighting two comparable incidents, one on Matheus Cunha that was given as a penalty and another on Amad Diallo that was not. He maintained both were near identical, with a two-arm grab on each.

United have no game this weekend after their FA Cup exit to Brighton in January, giving Carrick time to plan without his centre-back. Leeds remain in the competition and visit West Ham for a quarter-final on Sunday.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk