The Wolves forward was shown a straight red card in the closing stages of extra time in an FA Cup tie earlier this month with Bournemouth
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Updated 11:15, 22 Mar 2025
Matheus Cunha lost his head against Bournemouth.
Matheus Cunha lost his head against Bournemouth.(Image: Getty Images)
Matheus Cunha has been handed an additional one-game ban and fined £50,000 after admitting a charge of “acting in an improper manner” following his dismissal at Bournemouth.
The Wolves forward was shown a straight red card in the closing stages of extra time in an FA Cup tie earlier this month for grabbing Milos Kerkez around the neck before appearing to punch and kick the Cherries defender.
After referee Sam Barrott had dismissed Cunha, the Brazilian then remonstrated with Wolves boss Vitor Pereira and pushed team-mate Dan Bentley as he was ushered towards the changing room.
Cunha has already missed the home draw with Everton and last week’s win at Southampton as part of his initial three-match ban, but will now also sit out the trip to Ipswich as well as the visit of West Ham.
Matheus Cunha clashes with Milos Kerkez during Bournemouth vs Wolves.
Matheus Cunha clashes with Milos Kerkez during Bournemouth vs Wolves.
Cunha’s suspension is his second this season. He was banned for two matches in December after clashing with a member of Ipswich’s staff at the end of a 2-1 home Premier League defeat.
Wolves boss Pereira had hoped that his star man would escape any further punishment: “I hope it stays as the three games because he’s an important player for us, but this is the time for the other players to prove we are a team,” said the manager.
Meanwhile, Heimir Hallgrimsson singled out “fantastic” match-winner Matt Doherty for special praise after the Republic of Ireland battled back to beat Bulgaria 2-1 in the first leg of their Nations League play-off on Thursday.
The Wolves right-back, who before the game played down talk of a rift with manager Hallgrimsson, marked his return to the starting XI by bravely heading home the decisive goal in the 42nd minute in Plovdiv.
“Matt Doherty had a really good game, also scored, and it was a fantastic run from deep and a brave, brave header,’’ said Hallgrimsson. “He had a big part in the first goal as well (scored by Finn Azaz), quick thinking, a quick diagonal ball to Robbie Brady for the delivery and the cross.’’