Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane could face retrospective action for his behaviour as the aftermath of Leeds United’s goal is “under scrutiny” by the FA, according to Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett.
The broadcast reporter wrote on his personal Twitter account on Monday morning: “Understand the FA will review ref Stuart Atwell’s report from ‘lufc’ v ‘avfc’ before deciding sanctions. There is also a poss punch from Conor Hourihane on Mateusz Klich under scrutiny”.
Understand FA will review ref Stuart Atwell’s report from #lufc v #avfc before deciding sanctions.
Anwar El Ghazi was sent off despite Patrick Bamford appearing to feign being struck in the face. There is also a poss punch from Conor Hourihane on Mateusz Klich under scrutiny.
— Rob Dorsett (@RobDorsettSky) April 29, 2019
The Republic of Ireland midfielder appeared to be caught on video punching the Leeds goal scorer Mateusz Klich in the stomach after the Polish international netted a goal steeped in controversy, with the Whites allowing the Villans to score an uncontested goal from the kick off.
OPINION
This incident went under the radar as the frankly ludicrous scenes took place at Elland Road. Despite the controversy surrounding the goal, the reaction of both sides was unacceptable. Conor Hourihane will surely be handed a ban for his role in the incident and he only has himself to blame. The former Barnsley man started the brawl when squaring up to the goal scorer Klich, grabbing the midfielder’s shirt in rage, and was also involved in a scuffle with Leeds striker Patrick Bamford. Hourihane was booked for his involvement in the aftermath but the punch appeared to be missed. If in the report it states that he was booked for the punch then he will avoid retrospective action but that was surely for his role in the brawl. The whole aftermath was over the top and embarrassing for the Championship and could land both sides in big trouble. That could in turn affect their respective play-off run ins, especially if anyone if banned.