Romelu Lukaku will face no further action for kicking out at Brighton defender Gaetan Bong on Saturday.
In the build-up to Manchester United’s solitary and fortuitous goal at Old Trafford, Lukaku kicked out twice at Bong in an act of petulance that was not spotted by referee Neil Swarbrick.
The FA reviewed the footage of the incident on Monday and it was decided by a three-person panel that the Belgian forward would not receive a suspension.
Had he received a three-match ban for violent conduct, as some expected he might, Lukaku would have missed United’s crucial Premier League clashes against Arsenal and Manchester City.
It wasn’t until Brighton supporters highlighted the incident on social media that mainstream outlets picked it up and Gary Lineker responded to criticism of the lack of coverage of Lukaku’s kick on Match of the Day on Saturday with a reasonable explanation.
That's fair enough https://t.co/5bYNlLDdTb
— JOE (@JOE_co_uk) November 27, 2017
Earlier this season, Lukaku escaped punishment after Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren accused him of kicking him in the face while he was on the ground.
And after Monday’s decision, rival supporters were quick to vent their frustration over the lack of consistency shown by the FA and suggest that United were getting more leeway than other clubs.
https://twitter.com/SimplyWinks/status/935136813592715265
How the fuck is Lukaku not banned? FA at its incompetent best.
— Vivek (@VivekWenger) November 27, 2017
Pathetic. Niasse gets banned 2 games for ‘diving’ and lukaku gets away with kicking someone in the bollocks? Fuck off FA #TheFaIsCorrupt
— EF3 (@evertonfin3) November 27, 2017
Surprise Surprise Lukaku gets away with it . Absolutely pathetic from the FA , not a pair of balls on that whole Panel
— Arran (@ArranAFCSTL) November 27, 2017
https://twitter.com/SavvySalah/status/935139293990981632
Lukaku facing no action following his assault on another player.
Corrupt bastards @FA
— Harry Borne (@Upper__Gwladys) November 27, 2017
Lukaku not being charged. If that were anyone of our players they would be crucified by the FA.
— Justin 𝕏 (@FutbolJustin) November 27, 2017
https://twitter.com/matty78/status/935138536671580161
https://twitter.com/chatovburley/status/935137683592089603
How the fuck has lukaku avoided punishment 😂😂😂
— Del (@DaleHitchon) November 27, 2017
