Liverpool youngster handed lengthy ban for altercation in Manchester United clash

Liverpool youngster Luca Furnell-Gill will miss a significant portion of the remainder of the season after admitting to a disciplinary charge stemming from a feisty encounter during a match against Manchester United earlier this year.

Furnell-Gill, a 17-year-old defender, has been handed a five-game ban by the Football Association following an incident during the Under-18 Premier League North match at United's Carrington training base on 30 January.

The altercation occurred during the second half of the match, which Liverpool eventually lost 4-3. Furnell-Gill was captured on camera engaging in a heated exchange with Manchester United forward Ethan Wheatley. The footage shows Furnell-Gill aiming a punch towards Wheatley as tensions escalated during the game.

Additionally, he was observed clashing with Wheatley again and directing an elbow towards him during the altercation.

Despite being spoken to by the referee, both players avoided immediate punishment during the match.

Matter "addressed internally"

According to the Echo, Liverpool addressed the matter internally following the incident. Academy director Alex Inglethorpe reportedly contacted Manchester United officials the morning after the game to extend apologies for the incident.

Furnell-Gill, who joined Liverpool from Preston North End at U15 level, also reportedly expressed remorse for his actions post-game.

Since the clash with Manchester United, Furnell-Gill has not featured in any matches for Liverpool. This absence includes important fixtures such as the FA Youth Cup win over Fulham and the subsequent exit from the competition against Leeds United.

Furnell-Gill, who made his U18s debut as an U16 player last season, is currently a first-year scholar with Liverpool's U18 squad. His suspension serves as a setback for both the player's development and Liverpool's youth team as they navigate through their season.

Liverpool will hope Furnell-Gill learns from this experience and emerges as a more mature player upon his return to action after serving his suspension.