The Football Association is preparing to consider sanctioning Matheus Cunha for using inappropriate language on camera after the big match in which Manchester United won away at Arsenal.
On 26 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Matheus Cunha, Manchester United's forward, immediately became a hot topic after the 3-2 away victory over Arsenal at Emirates Stadium, as he may face suspension from the Football Association (FA) for using foul language towards a live broadcast camera during goal celebrations.
Cunha scored a beautiful late goal that put the "Red Devils" ahead 3-2, which proved to be the winning goal and maintained the team's 100 percent winning record under interim manager Michael Carrick.
However, during the goal celebration, the Brazilian striker was caught on live camera looking directly into the broadcast lens and uttering offensive language. Although not all words were clearly audible, the incident sparked immediate public criticism.
Following the incident, Peter Drury, Sky Sports' commentator, apologized to viewers during the live broadcast, saying
“If any inappropriate language was uttered during the goal celebration, we sincerely apologize to all viewers.”
According to IFAB rules, players are prohibited from using insulting, obscene, or inappropriate language. If the referee hears such language, a red card can be issued immediately. If the referee does not see or hear it, the FA has the authority to impose retrospective sanctions if the incident is recorded and broadcast publicly.
This case reminded many of a 2011 incident when Wayne Rooney was suspended for two matches after swearing at a live broadcast camera during a game against West Ham.
Currently, the FA's decision on whether to impose retrospective punishment and the timeline for announcing the results remain pending.
If Cunha is indeed suspended, the ban will take effect immediately in the Premier League, as Manchester United have already been eliminated from both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
This is not Cunha's first issue with the FA. Last season, while playing for Wolverhampton, he received an additional one-match ban and a £50,000 fine for assaulting Milos Kerkez in the FA Cup.
He was also previously suspended for two matches due to an altercation with Ipswich Town staff members.