Tuesday, August 16, 2011

FA charges Newcastle and Arsenal

By ESPNsoccernet staff
Newcastle and Arsenal have been charged with failing to control their players following Saturday's Premier League fixture, the Football Association has confirmed.

A melee erupted during the second half of the goalless draw at St James' Park after Joey Barton confronted Gervinho, who had fallen in the penalty area under a challenge from Cheik Tiote. Gervinho then slapped Barton after the grapple, and the Ivorian was subsequently sent off by referee Peter Walton.

A statement from the FA read: "Following Gervinho's dismissal Arsenal have today lodged a claim that the standard punishment of a three-match suspension is clearly excessive. A regulatory Commission will hear that claim on August 16."

Arsenal's Alex Song has been charged separately with violent conduct following an earlier incident in the same game. Song stamped on Barton, who was left furious after his opponent received no punishment from Walton.

Barton received a yellow card for his part in the fracas, and as such has already been sanctioned. Newcastle have revealed they will deny the charge, while Arsenal have until 1600 BST on August 18 to respond. Song, meanwhile, must reply by 1800 BST on August 16.

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