Four banned as Arsenal count cost

The Football Association (FA) has suspended four Arsenal FC players and fined the club €255,000 for failing to control their players in the aftermath of the goalless draw at Manchester United FC on 21 September.

Controversial finish
The final whistle at Old Trafford saw United striker Ruud van Nistelrooij surrounded by Arsenal players after being involved in the incident which saw Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira sent off for a second yellow card. The Dutch striker also missed a last-minute penalty.

'Violent behaviour'
Cameroonian international defender Lauren received the most severe punishment - a four-game ban and a fine of €60,000. An FA statement said Lauren was guilty of "violent behaviour in forcibly pushing Van Nistelrooij in the back following the final whistle, and for improper conduct in confronting Van Nistelrooij after Vieira's sending-off and kicking out at Quinton Fortune following the penalty award".

Three-game ban
Central defender Martin Keown admitted one charge of violent disorder and was banned for three games and fined just under €30,000. Ray Parlour admitted two counts of violent conduct for separate incidents involving Van Nistelrooij and Gary Neville. He was banned for one game, with Vieira receiving the same punishment after being charged with improper conduct for failing to leave the field promptly after being sent off. Parlour and Vieira were fined €15,000 and €30,000 respectively.

Cole reprimanded
A fifth Arsenal player, England full-back Ashley Cole, was reprimanded, fined €15,000 and warned as to his future conduct after pleading guilty to one count of improper conduct following a confrontation with Cristiano Ronaldo. The FA commission ruled that all suspensions will begin on Monday 17 November.