Wolves star Matheus Cunha was finally handed his ban from the FA on Tuesday weeks after the loss to Ipswich Town.
The Brazilian was involved in a brawl against Ipswich in the middle of December. A 2-1 defeat against their relegation rivals saw Gary O’Neil get sacked while Cunha was charged by the FA after slapping the opposition’s security guard in the face.
As Wolves supporters awaited the verdict of his punishment, Cunha starred in wins over Leicester City and Manchester United before suffering a niggle in the first half against Tottenham.
Luckily, the 25-year-old’s injury was only minor and Vitor Pereira only took him off at half-time as a precaution.
However, just two days after collecting a last-gasp draw against Spurs, Cunha was hit with a two-game ban and an £80,000 fine.
It means the striker will only miss the home clash against Nottingham Forest and the trip to Bristol City in the FA Cup, with supporters around the globe left fuming as a result.
- Premier League
-
WolvesWolves
Nottm ForestNottingham Forest
-
Premier League fans angered by the length of Matheus Cunha’s ban
When Cunha was charged by the FA, Wolves fans feared he’d miss several games over Christmas and into January, especially when looking at incidents in seasons gone by.
However, the forward only being handed a two-game ban was a huge result for their fans but not for their relegation rivals.
Some supporters, particularly of a Leicester persuasion, were annoyed that he wasn’t hit with a suspension sooner after he scored against the Foxes.
“Incredibly frustrating that this has come after he played in two games where he scored and was crucial in wins, including one against Leicester. Doesn’t change the fact #lcfc were awful that day, but Cunha was central to everything good about the team,” one fan said.
“Blatant corruption. Waited until one of the games was the cup and gave the bare minimum ban,” another Leicester supporter replied.
Leicester fans weren’t the only rival supporters lefr feeling aggrieved by the decision as some sections of the Fulham fanbase shared their anger.
Referencing the time when Aleksandar Mitrovic was handed an eight-match ban after pushing the referee, one fan questioned: “2 games and Mitro got 8 for not even touching the ref?”
Further fans pointed out other decisions that resulted in a much worse ban with one saying: “Duran got a 3-match ban with his red card for slipping. Cunha gets 2 for assault. Fairs.”
“Two games, one of which is a cup game. Absolutely gutless from the FA,” another commented.
Who should replace Cunha vs Nottingham Forest?
Pereira will no doubt have been planning for the day Cunha was handed his ban. Luckily, it’s only two games, one of which is in the FA Cup.
Nonetheless, his star forward being suspended for the home clash against Forest will hand someone else a chance to spearhead the forward line.
There is one player who looks nailed on to start and that is Hwang Hee-chan after he scored against Tottenham – his second goal in as many games.
Likewise, Goncalo Guedes – who dropped to the bench at Spurs – is the most likely candidate to return to the starting XI, partnering Hwang and Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Wolves likely front three vs Forest
- Goncalo Guedes
- Hwang Hee-chan
- Jorgen Strand Larsen