Wolves’ star striker Matheus Cunha could face a lengthy ban after being red-carded for violent conduct during his club’s on-penalties FA Cup defeat at AFC Bournemouth this afternoon.

Having levelled for the Old Gold, who are 17th in the Premier League, one place and five points ahead of the Blues, to make the fifth round tie 1-1, Cunha was dismissed by referee Sam Barrott in the closing moments of extra-time for punching, kicking and headbutting Cherries defender Milos Kerkez.

The Brazilian international subsequently appeared to refuse to leave the touchline while arguing with staff who were pointing him towards the dressing room.

Following Town’s 2-1 win at Molineux in December, Cunha elbowed and aggressively removed a member of the Blues’ security staff’s glasses.

The clash was missed by referee Simon Hooper but the 26-year-old later accepted an FA charge and was suspended for two matches and fined £80,000.Given that background, the FA may look to extend his ban beyond the three which will see Wolves’ 15-goal top scorer miss the Premier League games against Everton, Southampton and West Ham. A one-match extension would see him miss the trip to Portman Road in April.

Cunha apologised to his teammates in an Instagram story after the match: “In the end, another game where you guys did your best. I couldn’t lose my head at the end. Sorry.”

Head coach Vitor Pereira said: “After this game the emotional side was very high. A lot of pressure. In the end [Cunha’s reaction] is what can happen. It should not happen, but this is something that happens in football and we must deal with the situation.”

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner expects striker Jean-Philippe Mateta to miss next Saturday’s Premier League match against Town at Selhurst Park after the Frenchman suffered a serious ear injury in the Eagles’ 3-1 FA Cup victory over Millwall.

Mateta, who scored the only goal when the teams met at Portman Road in December, was stretchered off in the 15th minute following a high challenge from Millwall keeper Liam Roberts, who was red-carded.

Photo: Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra

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IP9 added 21:48 – Mar 1

Ipswich Town are interested in signing a £3.5m World Cup defender who is at the top of his game, according to David Ornstein.

Ipswich Town’s Premier League signings

The Tractor Boys have been doing everything they can to buck the trend and remain in the Premier League after winning back-to-back promotions from League One under Kieran McKenna.

However, as things stand, Ipswich occupy one of the three relegation spots alongside Leicester City and Southampton with their most recent 3-2 defeat coming at Old Trafford to 10-player Man Utd despite a brace from Jaden Philogene.

Ipswich chiefs have backed McKenna in both the summer and January transfer markets, though, bringing in a number of new players and splashing the cash.

Now, attention appears to be on the summer window, and a new target has emerged as Ipswich look to add to their defensive ranks.

Ipswich Town want to sign £3.5m defender, says Ornstein

According to reliable transfer reporter Ornstein of The Athletic, relayed by The Celtic Way, Ipswich Town are keen on signing Celtic defender Alistair Johnston, joining Premier League rivals Fulham in the race for a deal.

“I know Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston is generating attention from clubs in England, with Fulham among his admirers. The Canada international recently signed a new contract at Parkhead and isn’t known to be unhappy – but there was firm interest in January.

“From what I hear, it’s not only Fulham but also Ipswich and others who are looking at him. Johnston was longlisted for the Best FIFA Men’s XI last year, so this is probably no surprise, and I’d expect more suitors to emerge from the Premier League and across Europe in the summer.”

Johnston made the move to Celtic in January 2023 for an initial £3.5m and has gone from strength to strength at Parkhead, with his Transfermarkt valuation now at a career high €9m.

A Canada international who has represented his country at the World Cup, Johnston is primarily a right-back but can also play as a centre-back or right midfielder.

You’d expect that with the 26-year-old’s growing reputation, Ipswich will need to remain in the top flight to have a chance of signing Johnston, but a deal could be one to keep an eye on over the coming months.