Matheus Cunha, Wolves
Credit: Imago / Sky Sports YouTube
Keith Hackett
Mon 16 June 2025 17:00, UK
Matheus Cunha has been accused of having caused damage to the Premier League prior to his Wolves exit to Man United, by Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Brazilian’s actions after the full-time whistle “damaged the image of the game”, clashing with an Ipswich Town staff member.
Hackett was baffled by the FA’s decision to reduce Cunha’s punishment, having gone from a three-game ban and £120,000 fine to a two-game ban and £80,000 fine after apologising and offering to buy new glasses for the security staff.
Due to the reduction, the 26-year-old only missed one Premier League game against Nottingham Forest and one FA Cup tie against Bristol City, much to the relief of Wolves supporters.
BREAKING: Matheus Cunha has been charged with misconduct following the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Ipswich Town 🚨 pic.twitter.com/k56pO3ZQId
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 17, 2024
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Matheus Cunha sparks controversy over minimal retrospective bans
Having also lashed out at Milos Kerkez during an FA Cup clash with Bournemouth, Hackett already believes that Man United psychologists will need to hold talks with Cunha over his discipline.
The star received 13 yellow cards and one red card during his time at Molineux Stadium, but with 33 goals and 15 assists in that time, there is a fine balance between his talents and outbursts on the pitch.
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While the incident never reached levels like Eric Cantona‘s infamous kung-fu kick at a spectator, in which he received a nine-month ban, calls for harsher punishments are being called for ahead of next season.
Matheus Cunha, Wolves
Credit: Imago
Keith Hackett wants harsher punishment next season
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the referee said: “This action damaged the image of the game. I would suggest that a three-game ban would not have been enough.
“When a player commits any form of assault, either against a spectator or, in this case, an official of the opposition’s staff, for me, five matches would be more appropriate.
Keith Hackett
Keith Hackett was expecting a bigger punishment for Matheus Cunha.
“What he’s done has damaged the image of the game. It’s beamed across the world. This is about the image of the Premier League, the image of that club, and also the sponsors and commercial aspects.
“When it’s off the field of play, I’m quite clear. The ceiling is a 10-game ban; within that, there is a decision to be made, but I think the minimum should be five. That’s where the range should be.”
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