Romelu Lukaku looks dejected during a game
Romelu Lukaku looks dejected during the game with Brighton (Getty)

Romelu Lukaku will avoid punishment for kicking out at an opponent, predicts a former Premier League referee.

The Manchester United striker was involved in an incident during Saturday’s match with Brighton at Old Trafford.

While a corner was being taken, the Belgian appeared to aim two kicks at opponent Gaetan Bong in the space of seconds.

It went unnoticed at the time by referee Neil Swarbrick and the FA are now set to review the incident and could potentially bring charges against Lukaku.

Romelu Lukaku kicks out at Gaetan Bong
Romelu Lukaku clashes with Gaetan Bong (Picture: Sport Premium)
Romelu Lukaky kicks Gaetan Bong in the groin
Romelu Lukaku clashes with Gaetan Bong (Picture: Sport Premium)

However former referee Dermot Gallagher believes this is unlikely.

‘The act has to be one of violence or brutality,’ he explained to Sky Sports. ‘It’s not really either for me. This appears to me to be one of petulance.’

Manchester United 2018/19 Fixtures

Fulham (A) - Feb 9
PSG (H) - Feb 12
Chelsea (A) - Feb 18
Liverpool (H) - Feb 24
Crystal Palace (A) - Feb 27
Southampton (H) - Mar 2

Lukaku and Manchester United will be desperate that Gallagher is right as a ban for violent conduct would lead to a three-match ban.

That would see the striker miss Tuesday’s match with Watford, an away game against Arsenal and then the Manchester derby on December 10.

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