Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea transfer target Matheus Cunha has been banned for three games following a red card in the FA Cup fifth round clash against AFC Bournemouth.
The 25-year-old has enjoyed a head-turning season at Molineux, despite the team’s struggle for form, with 14 goals in all competitions. Cunha was on target against the Cherries, levelling the score after 60 minutes with a strike from distance labelled as ‘magnificent’ by the BBC.
Bournemouth went on to win that match in penalties but the talking topic was not Cunha’s goal and rather a physical outburst after 120 minutes. The forward punched, kicked and headbutted Cherries man Milos Kerkez, and was given his marching orders by Chirs Kavanagh.
Wolves boss knows Cunha is ‘better’ than headbutt
Cunha will now miss the next three matches, Premier League meetings with Everton, Southampton and West Ham. That could be a huge blow for the Midlands outfit who teeter above the relegation zone in 17th place, just five points clear of the drop.
Speaking about the incident after the game, Wolves manager Vitor Pereira said: "When the situation happened I was looking for the ball.
It means that I didn't see the situation, but football is emotional and the level was very high today. Not only inside the pitch, but outside [the pitch]. With a lot of pressure, and in the end these are things that can happen.
"You know now he is frustrated, he is better in my opinion. I never speak to the team when we are nervous or frustrated. It is better to wait one day and think about everything. After we can have a talk.
Of course, he is an important player, but next game we play with 11 and start with 11. We had the capacity to equalise the game in the second half and after that the injury limitations."
Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs linked with £62.5m Wolves man
The news of Cunha’s sending off will be of particular interest to Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs, who have all shown interest in signing the player. The forward is known to have a £62.5 million release clause in his contract, signed at the start of February.
There is no doubting the Brazilian’s ability in front of goal but there have been questions raised over his temperament. The red card in the FA Cup is his first this season but speaking on Sky Sports, Paul Merson said: “Cunha’s been sent off for a full house. He’s called offside, they’re trying to get the ball off him, so he punches Kerkez.