Dean Huijsen apologises to Milos Kerkez after ‘fight’ as new image drops
Dean Huijsen directed a message to Milos Kerkez after a heated moment involving Matheus Cunha in Bournemouth’s dramatic FA Cup victory over Wolves.
Bournemouth secured their place in the quarter-finals after a tense penalty shootout win, following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
Evanilson gave the Cherries the lead inside 30 minutes, and Huijsen thought he had doubled their advantage—only for VAR to rule his goal out after an eight-minute delay caused by a malfunction in the semi-automated offside system.
Wolves hit back through Cunha, who scored a stunning strike from outside the box. However, the Brazilian soon found himself at the centre of controversy after being sent off for a headbutt on Kerkez.
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett told Football Insider that Cunha faces a suspension and an additional fine, and may even be required to take a behavioural course.
Dean Huijsen jokes with Milos Kerkez after Matheus Cunha incident
The Spaniard shared a lighthearted response to the heated clash between Kerkez and Cunha, posting a picture of the incident on his Instagram story with himself watching in the background. His caption read: “Chill fight watch. I was just missing some popcorn.” He also tagged Kerkez, adding: “Sorry, I already had a yellow.”
Huijsen had a poor performance against Wolves, missing his penalty in the shootout. However, Kepa Arrizabalaga came to Bournemouth’s rescue, making crucial saves to send them through.
Cunha’s headbutt on Kerkez left pundits stunned, but it wasn’t the first time the Brazilian has lost his composure. Earlier this season, Cunha clashed with an Ipswich Town staff member at full-time, which led to a two-match suspension and a £60,000 fine.
| Match statistics vs Wolves | Dean Huijsen |
| Minutes played | 120′ |
| Clearances | 5 |
| Blocked shots | 1 |
| Ground duels (won) | 3 (1) |
| Fouls | 1 |
Bournemouth bracing for summer interest in Dean Huijsen
Despite a below-par display against Wolves, Huijsen has been a key figure for Bournemouth this season.
His performances haven’t gone unnoticed, with Football Insider revealing that Liverpool are keeping tabs on Huijsen amid uncertainties surrounding Virgil van Dijk’s future at Anfield.
The 19-year-old has made 25 appearances for the Cherries, starting 16 times in the Premier League and scoring twice. He has impressed in his first season in England, but amid transfer speculation, Andoni Iraola will be keen to keep him focused for the remainder of the campaign.