Manchester United defender Harry Maguire branded Arsenal’s Kai Havertz a “cheating scumbag” during a heated FA Cup clash at the Emirates on Sunday.
The confrontation occurred with 20 minutes remaining in the third-round tie, as the sides were locked at 1-1.
Maguire’s outburst came after the referee awarded Arsenal a penalty following a challenge between the two players in the box.
The United centre-back, who protested his innocence to the official, directed his fury at Havertz, whom he accused of diving to win the spot-kick.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire branded Arsenal’s Kai Havertz a “cheating scumbag” during a heated FA Cup clash at the Emirates on Sunday
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The incident sparked a brawl between both sets of players, with Manuel Ugarte also clashing with Havertz.
A penalty was awarded when Havertz dribbled into the United penalty area, attempting to evade Maguire’s challenge.
The Manchester United defender left out a leg, leading to the referee immediately pointing to the spot.
With no VAR available in the third-round FA Cup fixture, Maguire’s protests fell on deaf ears.
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What a moment for Altay Bayindir! He gets down well to keep out Martin Odegaard’s penalty!
This game has certainly picked up in the second half!
Watch the FA Cup on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport App#BBCFACup #FACup #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/he3n73EaR2
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 12, 2025
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard stepped up to take the resulting penalty.
However, United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir produced an impressive save to deny the Norwegian, keeping the scores level.
BBC Sport pundit Alan Shearer later questioned the decision, stating: “I thought the penalty was a bit harsh, I really did.”
Shearer also praised Bayindir’s penalty save, noting: “Altay Bayindir gets down really, really quickly. He gets a good strong hand to it.”
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The penalty incident was one of several flashpoints in a tense cup tie.
Both teams’ players became embroiled in a heated exchange following the penalty decision.
The situation required officials to intervene and restore calm before Odegaard could take the spot-kick.
Despite the controversy, Bayindir’s crucial save maintained the deadlock as the match entered its final phase.
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Earlier in the fixture, Bruno Fernandes had given United the lead after a goalless first half.
The United captain found the net with an impressive finish following a pass from Alejandro Garnacho.
Arsenal drew level through Gabriel, whose shot deflected in off Matthijs de Ligt.
Harry Maguire was enraged after Arsenal were given a penalty in their FA Cup clash with Man Utd
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Between these goals, United were reduced to ten men when Diogo Dalot received his marching orders.
The wing-back, already on a yellow card, was dismissed after missing the ball completely in a rash challenge.
Both teams entered the match seeking silverware, with United manager Ruben Amorim hoping to salvage a difficult season and Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta facing pressure over his trophy drought.