Unai Emery faces FA investigation for kicking bottle at Brighton fans
Thursday 27 December 2018 17:20, UK
Arsenal head coach Unai Emery could face retrospective action from the FA after kicking a bottle towards Brighton fans.
Sky Sports News understands the Football Association are investigating the incident, for which Emery subsequently apologised.
Emery was seen kicking a bottle in frustration inside his technical area late on in his side's 1-1 draw at the Amex Stadium on Boxing Day - and he admitted afterwards that it hit a supporter.
The incident is not thought to have been included in the referee's match report.
Ex-Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho was handed a one-match ban for a similar incident in 2016, for which he was sent-off by that game's official. A decision on the incident involving Emery could be made later on Thursday.
Emery took the opportunity to apologise again for the incident when he faced the media ahead of the Gunners' game with Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday and said he hoped that would be the end of the matter.
"I say yesterday [Wednesday] my apologies, I kicked the bottle in frustration but not for the supporter, I kicked for me and it went near to the supporter and I said to them my apologies," he said. "There is not another communication.
"I repeat today my apologies for my individual action but I kick the bottle because it is near me, but not because it is my intention."
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Emery went on to say he would respect any decision the FA made, although he was keen to draw a line under the incident.
"I hope so, yes," he replied when asked whether his apology would mean he would not face official censure.
"But I have to respect the decision because it is a circumstance of my action but not another intention from me with the supporter. I say to them my apology."
