Wolves star Matheus Cunha reacted wildly after being sent off for a headbutt against Bournemouth in the FA Cup. With the last-16 tie locked at 1-1 late on extra time, Cunha had his shirt pulled by Milos Kerzez and responded by pushing the Hungarian over.
He then kicked out at the player when he was on ground, and continued the madness with that appeared a deliberate headbutt when the Cherries defender got to his feet.
After being pulled away by both his own and opposition players, Cunha was shown a straight red card by referee Sam Barrott.
Cunha then refused to head down the tunnel, remonstrating with the fourth officials as well as members of his own coaching staff. Eventually, he was reluctantly taken to the changing rooms, leaving Wolves manager Vitor Pereira without one of his certain penalty takers at the final whistle.
Sure enough, his absence proved critical. It was Bournemouth who came through the shootout 5-4, with Boubacar Traore missing for the visitors as his effort bounced off the underside of the bar.
Cunha had earlier brought his side back into the game with a superb second half strike. With his side trailing 1-0 to Evanilson’s first-half strike, on the hour mark the Brazilian picked up the ball 30 yards out and unleashed a curling, dipping effort that beat Kepa Azpilicueta.
Cunha’s actions could now have huge ramifications for both his and Wolves’ season. He will almost certainly receive a three-game ban for his straight red card, meaning he’ll miss crucial games with Everton, Southampton, and West Ham.
His behaviour after the dismissal is likely to be investigated by the FA though, and the 25-year-old had now risked a lengthy suspension. Wolves currently lie five points clear of the relegation zone in 17th place, but still have to play Ipswich below them.
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