Fulham striker Aleksandr Mitrovic lucky to avoid red card in ‘friendly’ win as was held back by teammates in heated pre-season clash

In Aleksandr Mitrovic’s world, there’s no such thing as a ‘friendly’.

The Fulham striker proved as much when he had to be held back by his teammates after losing his cool during the Cottagers’ win over Estoril in a pre-season game.

The Serbian scored twice in the 3-1 victory, but his goals were overshadowed by his clash with opponent Francisco Geraldes in an off-the-ball incident.

The 27-year-old barged into the defender, before putting his hands towards Geraldes’ throat, as teammate Harrison Reed intervened.

Mitrovic is known for his aggressiveness on the pitch, which has gotten him in trouble on multiple occasions in the past.

He was banned for three games in 2020 after elbowing then-Leeds defender Ben White three minutes into a game at Elland Road.

And it’s not always opposition players that the centre-forward falls out with.

He was involved in a fight with ex-Fulham teammate Aboubakar Kamara during a yoga session in 2019.

Bookmaker Betfair are even offering odds on Mitrovic to be sent off during the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, which is available at 7/4.

The forward, who scored a record 43 league goals in the EFL Championship last season, is key to Fulham’s survival hopes and cannot afford to miss games through suspension.

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