Mitrovic could miss rest of season and should expect at least SIX-MATCH ban after shoving referee against Man Utd

ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC could miss most of the remaining matches this season for his Old Trafford red card shame.

The Fulham striker lost his head after Chris Kavanagh correctly took VAR advice to award Manchester United a penalty and dismiss Willian for handball in the FA Cup quarter-final clash.

GettyAleksandar Mitrovic faces a lengthy ban after being sent off against Manchester United[/caption]

Mitrovic was dismissed by referee Chris KavanaghRex

And Mitrovic’s shove on the referee seems certain to hand him a massive ban.

The FA will contact Fulham today to confirm the view that the standard ban is, in their view, “insufficient punishment” for the offence.

That is the clearest possible signal that the matter will be referred to an independent commission to judge the punishment Mitrovic must face.

Previous cases include Aston Villa midfielder Leandro Bacuna, banned for six matches for gently shoving an assistant referee after a throw-in was awarded for Derby in 2017.

It suggests a six match ban for Mitrovic is the least he should expect, with the likelihood of eight to 10 matches if an independent commission believes an experienced international and Premier League player should be judged by a higher standard.

The starting point for any suspension is the three-game ban for violent conduct.

That means Mitrovic will not be available for Fulham, in any event, until the April 22 game with Leeds.

But it is almost inevitable that the ban will be far longer.

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The FA has until tomorrow to issue any charges under the “fast-track” policy.

Fulham have just 11 games remaining this season.

But the Cottagers will be without the top scorer until at least April 22.

Mitrovic has hit 11 Premier League goals this season, helping high-flying Fulham to ninth in the Premier League table.