Matheus Cunha may be staring at a suspension after an X-rated rant was picked up by TV cameras during Manchester United’s chaotic celebrations against Arsenal.
The Brazilian substitute, introduced from the bench at the Emirates, bent home a sensational late strike to secure a 3-2 victory over the table-toppers, preserving United’s perfect start under interim boss Michael Carrick.
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After racing toward the away supporters, Cunha was swarmed by ecstatic teammates and then capped his celebration by staring directly into the camera and shouting words that, although not fully clear, appeared to contain expletives.
In the aftermath, Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury apologised to viewers, stating: “If you heard some bad language in among the celebrations, for that we apologise.
Football Association (FA) regulations explain that “offensive, insulting or abuse language and/or gestures” warrant a dismissal, and although Cunha avoided punishment during the match, the rules also clarify that the FA may “take retroactive disciplinary action if the incident is caught on camera or broadcast to a wide audience”.
“The FA views swearing directly into a lens as a ‘clear and deliberate’ act of misconduct that brings the game into disrepute,” it is stated, with United having previously been affected by a similar offence.
Wayne Rooney remains the most high-profile case, having received a two-match ban after swearing into the camera following a goal in a 4-2 comeback victory over West Ham.
Rooney accepted the charge and issued an apology, but argued the sanction was “excessive”, especially as it ruled him out of United’s FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester City.
There has so far been no official comment on Cunha’s outburst, and Carrick has yet to address the profanity, though he was quick to commend the forward for his decisive contribution.
“Matheus has not started both games, but he’s had a real big impact and he’s been disappointed not to start,” Carrick stated.
“But he’s used it in a really good way. Two huge moments and he totally deserves that winning goal for how he’s applied himself all week. I’m absolutely delighted for him.”
If Cunha is handed the same sanction as Rooney, he would be sidelined for consecutive home fixtures against Fulham and Tottenham over the next two weeks.
