Ex-ref demands Aleksandar Mitrovic gets ‘10-game ban’ for pushing official Chris Kavanagh

“There can be little doubt the image of the game has been tarnished, and we know that what happens at elite level filters through to the grassroots,” Hackett warned, writing in the Daily Telegraph. “Referees at all levels feel vulnerable, and the FA have a duty of care to them in ensuring Mitrovic is punished in full to send a message that this kind of behaviour is simply unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

Mitrovic faces an automatic three-game suspension for the red card, but the FA will now assess the incident with a view to whether the sanction should be increased. “We really need the sport’s governing body to take strong, decisive action,” Hackett said. “A three-game ban will not suffice, and if that is what happens it would send an awful message.”

It comes only two weeks after United midfielder Bruno Fernandes – who scored the resultant penalty against Fulham following Willian’s handball – was involved in a similar incident during a 7-1 defeat by Liverpool, pulling back an assistant referee’s arm, which went unpunished.

Hackett added: “We have seen an increase in dissent in recent weeks, and enough is enough. I was critical of the officials for not taking action against Bruno Fernandes when he laid his hands on the assistant referee during Manchester United’s game with Liverpool, but this was as clear as day.”

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