Cunha faces extended Champions League ban after ignoring red-card protocol at Old Trafford

Matheus Cunha is facing the prospect of an extended suspension after new footage emerged showing the Manchester United forward breaking post-red-card protocol during Tuesday night’s Champions League win over Roma at Old Trafford.

Cunha had been the hero of a dramatic comeback, scoring two second-half goals to overturn a 2-0 deficit and put United 3-2 ahead. But the Brazilian was dismissed just minutes after his winning goal — first booked for his celebration, then shown a second yellow for a subsequent tackle.

Rather than heading to the dressing room as required under IFAB Law 12, Cunha was filmed sitting on an advertising hoarding to watch the closing stages. After the final whistle, he returned to the pitch to celebrate with his teammates — a breach of the rule that states dismissed players must proceed to either the dressing room or a designated spectator area.

Fresh footage has also captured the moment United manager Michael Carrick spotted Cunha on the pitch and immediately moved towards him. Carrick briefly spoke to the forward, and it is believed he instructed him to leave the field to avoid further punishment. Cunha was then escorted off by a member of staff, visibly frustrated, throwing his hands up as he departed.

The incident raises the possibility of an extended ban beyond the automatic one-match suspension Cunha already faces. Under IFAB regulations, failure to comply with red-card protocol can result in additional match bans or fines for both player and club. Manchester Evening News has approached UEFA for clarification on whether Cunha’s conduct will be formally reviewed.

Cunha is already set to miss United’s next Champions League league-phase fixture against Sporting CP on 25 November. Whether that absence stretches further now rests with UEFA.

Speaking after the match, Cunha reflected on the goal celebration that earned him his first booking of the night. “I always dreamed to have this celebration, to be honest,” he told CBS Sports. “And then when I go I saw the fans and it was a little bit tricky because it was in the part of the Roma fans. And then I don’t know if it’s Roma fans or our fans, then I felt like if I jumped there it will be tricky. But I’m happy because they celebrated me, it was a very beautiful moment.”