Romelu Lukaku could face ban and miss clash with rivals Manchester City after appearing to intentionally kick Brighton’s Gaetan Bong
If ref Neil Swarbrick claims he missed the incident in his post-match report then it will go down the the FA panel to make a decision
ROMELU LUKAKU faces being suspended for the Manchester derby after appearing to intentionally kick Brighton's Gaetan Bong in the nuts.
The Belgian striker was involved in 'clash' with the defender during Manchester United's 1-0 victory over Brighton on Saturday.
A clip doing the rounds online shows Lukaku lash out with his right foot with the ball nowhere in sight.
The 24-year-old then wildly swings his left boot right between the legs of the Seagulls defender.
A video of the incident was not shown on Match of the Day during the highlights.
But the officials missing the incident at the time, Lukaku could still face a ban.
If referee Neil Swarbrick claims he didn't see the striker lashing out in his post-match report, the FA will be allowed to review the footage and make up their own minds.
The typical length of ban for an act of violent conduct is usually three matches.
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That means Lukaku could potentially be sidelined for United's trip to Watford, a clash at rivals Arsenal and a home match against noisy neighbours Man City.
Lukaku, a £75million summer signing from Everton, started his United career in red hot form with 10 goals in his first nine appearances.
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But he has been well off the boil in recent weeks with just one goal in his last 10 appearances in all competitions.
If he does receive a ban, boss Jose Mourinho could be tempted to throw Zlatan Ibrahimovic in from the start.
The Swede has just returned to first team action following his cruciate knee ligament injury he picked up last April.