adminLONDON. — Jack Wilshere has been charged by the FA over an offensive gesture he made towards Manchester City supporters during Arsenal’s 6-3 loss at the Etihad Stadium. The Football Association reviewed the full match report of referee Martin Atkinson before deciding to launch a disciplinary case against Wilshere after television cameras showed him raising his middle finger in the direction of home fans.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said previously that the club will accept any punishment the FA metes out to the midfielder.
Wilshere has until 6pm tomorrow to respond.
A statement from the FA read: ‘Arsenal midfield player Jack Wilshere has been charged by the FA with making an offensive and/or insulting and/or abusive gesture.
“The charge follows an alleged gesture made during the fixture between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 14 December.
The incident was not seen by match officials, but was caught on video.
“Wilshere has been charged retrospectively by the FA under a new pilot project for potential ‘not seen’ incidents in Premier League matches.
‘Under the new process, if an incident has not been seen by the match officials, a three-man panel will be asked by the FA to review it and advise what, if any action, they believe the match referee should have taken had it been witnessed at the time. — Mailonline.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu