FA charge Arsenal and Alex Song, Wenger "likely" to appeal Gervinho discipline

According to Arsenal's official website, the Football Association has charged Arsenal and Newcastle both with "failing to control their players" in Saturday's match between the two. In addition, the FA has charged Alex Song with violent conduct, presumably for stamping on Joey Barton's calf when the latter was lying on the pitch early in the second half.

It was an ugly match, and the FA will most likely take a dim view of Song's action, whether it was deliberate or not, and whether or not it had anything to do with the fracas that ensued 20 minutes later when Joey Barton took exception with what he felt was a dive by Arsenal winger Gervinho. The pair had an altercation that ended with Barton on the ground following a slap from Gervinho.

Arsenal manger Arsène Wenger said that he will appeal the automatic three-match ban that Gervinho will receive as part of his straight red card for violent conduct.