Fulham veteran Willian: Mitrovic didn't want to punch the ref

Willian insists Fulham teammate Aleksandar Mitrovic doesn't deserve his eight match ban.

Mitrovic has copped the suspension after shoving ref Chris Kavanagh during their FA Cup defeat at Manchester United.

Willian, who was also sent off on the day, told the Daily Mail: "I don't think the ban is right because it was an emotional situations.

"He didn't want to punch the referee or something like this. So maybe three games or four games, I don't know. But eight games I think is too much.

"He is OK but sad because he is going to miss a lot of games that are coming up.

"He is so important for us. These games without him will be difficult. When we are under pressure and the opponent comes to press us and we can't play short, we know Mitro is there to hold the ball.

"Without him it will be difficult but we have Carlos Vinicius who is a strong one as well. We have players who can still do things to help us win football matches."