Manchester United charged by FA over Brighton game incident

Manchester United have been charged with failing to control their players after they surrounded referee Peter Bankes in their 2-0 win against Brighton on Tuesday night.

Bankes showed Lewis Dunk a yellow card after he pulled back Anthony Elanga in the 53rd minute of the game. Elanga had stolen possession and looked to be through on goal before the defender impeded him.

The referee initially judged that Adam Webster would have got back to cover Elanga but United's players were furious at the award of a yellow card and made their feelings clear. Bruno Fernandes was booked for his reaction.

Bankes was then advised to consult the pitchside monitor by VAR official Jarred Gillett and after seeing the footage he reversed his decision and dismissed Dunk.

But United have still been hit with an FA charge for the reaction of their players and given until Monday to respond.

An FA statement read: "Manchester United FC has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E20.1 following its Premier League game against Brighton & Hove Albion FC on Tuesday [15/2/22].

"It is alleged that Manchester United FC failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 53rd minute, and the club has until Monday [21/2/22] to provide a response."

Graham Potter said after the game that he felt the officials had to be stronger after the pressure from United's players on the pitch.

Asked about the pressure from United's players on Bankes, Potter said: "Asking the question you are answering the question. I don’t blame them I am not being critical it is what it is.

"They have to do their bit for the team but you need the referee and VAR to make the calls independently.

"It was a yellow card live, Webster was there on the cover. It