Newcastle’s temperamental striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has been charged with an alleged act of violent conduct during the West Ham game on Saturday.
Mitrovic was involved in an incident with West Ham’s Manuel Lanzini in the 80th minute of the game, with the score at 2-0 to Newcastle.
The official didn’t see the alleged incident – an elbow – and Mitrovic escaped punishment and went on to score the third goal of the game in a convincing 3-0 win.
The incident will be reviewed by a panel of former referees and if they deem it was worthy of a red card he will be hit with a three-match suspension.
The news was announced by Newcastle United on their website.
The win against West Ham was Newcastle’s first of the new season, but it wasn’t their first disciplinary issue.
Jonjo Shelvey received his marching orders in the first game of the season against Tottenham, after stamping on Dele Alli.
The West Ham game was the last of his three-match ban and he can return for Newcastle after the international break.
Mitrovic could well be missing though – just at the wrong time.
The mis-firing striker had scored two goals in his last two games after struggling for regular game time, and this could be another setback for him.
Newcastle fans – who normally cherish Mitrovic – are not amused and seem to be losing patience with his antics.
Here is a selection of their best Tweets after the news was announced:
3 games into the season and Shelvey and Mitrovic have each got a 3 game ban for needless incidents. Idiotic
— Al Campbell (@Al_inDK) August 29, 2017
Mitrovic banned again. pic.twitter.com/WiAtqLC5tv
— Lee Robson (@leerobson23) August 29, 2017
Was what Mitrovic did stupid and reckless? Yes. Is there a massive problem with consistency in retrospective action? Even more so #NUFC
— Craig Woodhead (@Craigwoodhead32) August 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/toonlowdown/status/902576416956538889
https://twitter.com/howaythemags93/status/902575999451250688
https://twitter.com/SimplyNUFC/status/902575398655012866
No complaints at all over Mitrovic. Absolutely no need to get involved when we were streets ahead in the game. Will he ever learn?
— Dan (@Deeej_89) August 29, 2017
Saw the #Mitrovic incident at the time and knew this was coming. The man is a clown of the highest order. Get rid #NUFC
— Oliver Bell (@OliverGBell) August 29, 2017
I didn't think the challenge on Lanzini was that bad, but it was stupid, unnecessary and Mitrovic has a reputation, which doesn't help #NUFC
— Jake Oliver (@jolivernyc) August 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/dannyisblack7/status/902577912469184512
#NUFC need to ditch Mitrovic he's a liability and he's poor striker. Needs to be sold before were stuck with him
— Michael (@micfos87) August 29, 2017