FA rule on Newcastle-Arsenal clash

Arsenal and Newcastle have been charged with ‘failing to control their players’ in their English Premier League match on Saturday.

Both sets of players were involved in a confrontation after Newcastle’s Joey Barton reacted angrily to what he felt was a dive from Arsenal debutant Gervinho in the 75th minute of the 0-0 draw.

The former Lille forward responded by striking his hand on Barton’s face and was given his marching orders, while Barton received a yellow card.

An FA statement on Monday read: “Newcastle United and Arsenal have been charged by The FA with failing to control their players following Saturday’s (August 13) fixture at St James’ Park.”

“Both clubs have been charged following a mass confrontation of players after an incident in which Arsenal’s Gervinho was also shown a red card in the 75th minute.”

Having been already handed a yellow for his part in the scuffle, Barton has escaped further sanction from the FA.

But Arsenal’s Alex Song was charged with violent conduct for stomping on the one-time England international earlier in the match.

The FA also confirmed that Arsenal had lodged an appeal against Gervinho’s three-match ban, which the Londoners feel is ‘clearly excessive’.

Both clubs have until Thursday to respond to the charge, while Song has until Tuesday.