Marcos Rojo has avoided sanction for an apparent stamp on Eden Hazard during Manchester United’s FA Cup defeat to Chelsea.
Monday’s tense Stamford Bridge encounter ended with Antonio Conte’s Blues triumphing 1-0, with Jose Mourinho’s latest Stamford Bridge return being thrown off kilter by Ander Herrera’s first-half dismissal.
The Spain midfielder’s second booking was followed by United players haranguing referee Michael Oliver – actions that led to a Football Association charge.
While United have been charged for their players’ collective behaviour, they have avoided Rojo serving a domestic ban.
The Argentina international had been sweating on potential retrospective FA action after appearing to stamp on Hazard’s chest during a second-half flare-up at Stamford Bridge.
However, the referee’s report confirmed Michael Oliver and his officials saw the incident, meaning the case cannot go to a review panel and the Argentina international will avoid a potential three-match ban for violent conduct.
United are already without Herrera and striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the Premier League matches against Middlesbrough and West Brom.
Monday was the second time Herrera has been sent off for two bookable offences this season, with the Spain midfielder now serving a two-match domestic ban.
Sunday’s trip to the Riverside Stadium sees top scorer Ibrahimovic complete the second of a three-match domestic ban, having last week been hit with a retrospective suspension.
The 35-year-old caught Tyrone Mings with an elbow shortly after the Cherries defender landed on the back of his head, with the apparent stamp leading the FA to dish out a five-match ban.
Herrera and Ibrahimovic are both likely to start in Thursday’s Europa League last-16 clash with Rostov, with the score at 1-1 following the first leg in Russia.
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