Louis van Gaal has told Marouane Fellaini, the Manchester United midfielder, he only has himself to blame for picking up a three-match ban for violent conduct.
The Football Association today confirmed that Fellaini had accepted a charge of violent conduct for swinging his left elbow twice at Robert Huth after the Leicester defender, who has also been banned, grabbed his hair during Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
“I still believe that Fellaini makes a reaction like a human being, but he has to control himself better,Louis van Gaal
Fellaini is now suspended for United’s final three Barclays Premier League matches – against Norwich, West Ham United and Bournemouth, the results of which will prove crucial in their unlikely bid for Champions League qualification.
Van Gaal, the United manager, is unhappy that Fellaini will miss the run-in, but conceded his midfielder did not have much of a defence for his reaction.
“I still believe that Fellaini makes a reaction like a human being, but he has to control himself better, that is true,” the Dutchman said. “When you grab somebody by his hair always this situation shall exist.”
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Fellaini, who missed the first three matches of this season for a stamp on Paul McShane, the Hull City defender, will be available for the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on April 21, although he is not guaranteed to start.
Huth, 31, will miss the Leicester’s final two games - against Everton and Chelsea - and their first league fixture of next season. However, the Germany defender will be available to play in the Community Shield for the Premier League champions.
Van Gaal, whose side face Norwich City on Saturday, again complained that United were not awarded a penalty for Huth’s tug on Fellaini’s curly locks.
“When the FA gives [Huth] a suspension of three matches they admitted that it was penalty,” he said. “So for us it is very disappointing that the referee was not seeing the fact.”
United need to win all three of their remaining matches to stand any chance of bridging the four-point gap that separates them from Manchester City, who have played one more match.
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Van Gaal is not sure how City will react in their final two games following their Champions League exit to Real Madrid.
“That depends on the team and the way you recover also in your head,” he said. “We have done that several times after a big defeat. That’s why I’m proud of my players.
“They have the spirit to show that after a big defeat. Now we have to win three games in a row.”
