Cunha faces extra Champions League ban after sitting on ad board following Man United red card

Matheus Cunha is facing additional UEFA punishment after appearing to breach Champions League regulations following Manchester United’s 3-2 victory over Roma at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

The Brazilian forward had already been dismissed late in the match — picking up a second yellow card for a goal celebration after completing a brace in the closing stages — when he was spotted sitting on a pitchside advertising board while watching the final minutes unfold. That act is believed to constitute a breach of UEFA rules for a player who has already been sent off.

Cunha’s evening had been one of sharp contrasts. United went into half-time trailing 2-0 before Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty early in the second half to give the hosts a foothold. Cunha then struck twice to turn the tie on its head and seal a comeback win, only to immediately earn a booking for his celebration after the winning goal — his second of the night — before a further yellow card ended his involvement.

After the final whistle, Cunha attempted to return to the pitch to celebrate with his teammates but was met by manager Michael Carrick. The pair had a brief exchange, after which Cunha appeared visibly upset before heading back towards the tunnel. It is understood Carrick had urged the former Wolverhampton Wanderers forward to return to the dressing room to avoid compounding his disciplinary situation.

Whether UEFA chooses to act on the advertising-board incident remains to be seen, but the governing body’s rules typically require dismissed players to leave the technical area and its surrounds promptly. A further ban on top of the automatic suspension triggered by his red card would be a significant blow to United’s European campaign.