Harry Maguire was dismissed against AFC Bournemouth for a red card offence that clearly denied a goal-scoring opportunity for the home side.
Manchester United fans were left angered with the refereeing decisions against AFC Bournemouth in the last Premier League fixture before the international break.
Matheus Cunha won a penalty in the second half. He received the ball on the left flank before driving into the penalty area, where Alex Jimenez pulled him down. Bruno Fernandes converted from the spot to make it 1-0 in the 61st minute.
Ryan Christie levelled the game just minutes later, and then disaster struck. Amad broke into the box from the right wing before being kicked and pushed over by Adrien Truffert. The referee chose not to award the penalty, despite its similarity to the Cunha call.
Bournemouth quickly counter-attacked down the other end, where Evanilson found space behind Harry Maguire. The England international tugged at the Brazilian's shirt, just as he was about to let fly - a stonewall penalty, in truth.
The referee dismissed Maguire with a red card, but United players swarmed him in fury for not awarding Amad a penalty for a strikingly similar incident.
Maguire charged by FA
No matter your club allegiances, it is difficult to deny that the referee made the right decision with Maguire's penalty and red card. But it is also difficult to go against the calls that United deserved similar for Truffert's tackle on Amad.
United players were understandably furious with the referee, Maguire included. The central defender protested with the referee before marching down the tunnel, not before he exchanged words with the fourth official.
As such, the FA have charged the former United captain for improper conduct and given him until Thursday, 2 April to respond.
Maguire will be unavailable for Leeds United's trip to Old Trafford on 13 April, following an impressive spell on international duty for England in his first call-up under Thomas Tuchel.
Could Maguire miss more than one game?
As Maguire was sent off for denial of a goal-scoring opportunity, the Englishman will serve a one-match suspension for his red card. However, the FA could worsen the punishment if they see fit following the latest charge.
A statement read: "Harry Maguire has been charged after being sent off in the 78th minute of Manchester United FC's Premier League match against AFC Bournemouth on Friday 20 March. It's alleged that the defender acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards the fourth official following his dismissal. Harry Maguire has until Thursday 2 April to provide a response."
There is precedent for this, as Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk was hit with an additional one-match suspension for verbally abusing match officials during a match against Newcastle in 2023. Van Dijk served a ban for the red card, but was forced to sit out another game for his comments directed at the officials.
If Lisandro Martínez cannot return in time, Ayden Heaven may have to partner Leny Yoro in central defence in a very young backline, with Matthijs de Ligt also out injured.