The Football Association are investigating Manchester United’s Marouane Fellaini after he was caught on video spitting towards City’s Pablo Zabaleta.
The Belgian appears to spit at Zabaleta as the Argentinian defender lies on the ground, moments after being floored by the towering Belgian with an elbow.
Referee Michael Oliver booked Fellaini for the elbow, though many believe the midfielder was lucky to stay on the pitch.
Under FA rules, Fellaini escaped facing retrospective action as the referee saw and dealt with the foul, however Oliver did not see the latest incident that has come to light.
The FA can now take retrospective action against Fellaini just as they did against Hull’s George Boyd for spitting at City’s Joe Hart earlier this month.
SPAT: Fellaini was lucky not to receive red for flooring Zabaleta with elbow
RED MIST: Fellaini could face a three match suspension
A retrospective ban will add further woe to United manager David Moyes, who continues to face criticism following heavy home defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City.
Fellaini himself has been a target of much criticism this term for poor performances following his big-money move from Everton in the summer.
This incident will do little to improve his standing at Old Trafford and he could now face the same punishment as Hull’s Boyd, who received a three-match ban.
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