New Delhi: Wolves forward Matheus Cunha has been slapped with a two-game suspension and an £80,000 fine by the Football Association (FA) after an altercation with Ipswich Town security staff earlier this month. The Brazilian striker’s clash occurred at the end of Wolves’ 2-1 defeat to Ipswich at Molineux, which saw Jack Taylor net an injury-time winner for the visitors, which proved to be the final game for former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil.
The heated exchange at full-time reportedly involved Cunha elbowing an Ipswich staff member and snatching his glasses. He was charged with misconduct by the FA following this incident which came days after Mario Lemina clashed with Jarrod Bowen during West Ham’s 2-1 win over Wolves. This misconduct charge also came amid tensions as Wolves’ player Rayan Ait-Nouri was shown a second yellow card in the tunnel, following a confrontation with Ipswich’s top scorer Liam Delap.
🚨🇧🇷 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 | Matheus Cunha has been SUSPENDED for 2 games! ❌
This is due to misconduct after the game vs Ipswich Town. Also fined £80,000 by the English FA. pic.twitter.com/kIK5dWPfZC
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) December 31, 2024
The fallout from the match extended beyond Cunha’s actions, as it marked the end of Gary O’Neil’s tenure as Wolves manager. O’Neil and his coaching staff were dismissed following the defeat and replaced by Vitor Pereira, whose arrival has initiated a transitional phase for the team. Cunha’s suspension means he will miss the crucial Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest and Wolves’ FA Cup third-round tie against Bristol City.
Huge Blow for Wolves at a crucial time
🔥 Matheus Cunha has been in sensational form for Wolves this season – will he be subject to a big move within the next year? pic.twitter.com/JizopVqjcF
— Football Insider (@footyinsider247) December 28, 2024
With Wolves hovering just one point above the relegation zone, this absence comes at a critical juncture in their season. Despite his off-field troubles, Cunha has been in stellar form for Wolves this season. The 25-year-old has found the back of the net 10 times in 19 Premier League appearances and assisted four more. He’s scored vital goals in recent wins over Leicester City and Manchester United and his contributions have been pivotal in keeping Wolves in the survival race.
Cunha’s physicality and clinical finishing have been assets in an otherwise challenging season for Wolves. His 10 goals so far not only highlight his personal progress but also underline his importance to the team’s attacking setup. With Pereira now at the helm, the forward’s ability to continue delivering will be crucial once his suspension is served. The timing of the ban couldn’t be worse for Wolves though as they find themselves in good form under Pereira and have a tough run of fixtures ahead of them.
They currently sit 17th in the Premier League, teetering on the edge of the relegation zone. Pereira’s immediate challenge is to stabilize the squad and secure vital points to steer the team away from danger. While Cunha’s two-game absence poses a significant setback, Wolves will be hoping the striker can return focused and continue his rich vein of form. His performances will undoubtedly be key in determining whether Wolves can claw their way to safety in the latter half of the season.
Wolves talisman Matheus Cunha is set to miss the club’s first two fixtures of the new year after the English FA banned him for two games following an altercation with an Ipswich Town security member earlier this month. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
