Jack Wilshere accepts FA misconduct charge
Thursday 11 June 2015 06:11, UK
Jack Wilshere has accepted a FA misconduct charge following anti-Tottenham chants during Arsenal's FA Cup victory parade.
Wilshere, who came through the Gunners' youth ranks, took to the microphone to mock the club's fierce rivals with a foul-mouthed taunt as the players celebrated on a stage outside the Emirates Stadium on May 31.
In similar scenes to 12 months ago, Wilshere then proceeded to lead the massed ranks of Arsenal supporters in a chant which included expletives against Spurs, who again finished below their north London neighbours in the Premier League table.
Wilshere was subsequently reminded about his responsibilities by the club and also then issued an apology via Twitter for any offence caused.
The FA, though, had issued a written warning to the player for past behaviour and so moved to open a formal disciplinary case against the England midfielder, the rap sheet being his "conduct in making and/or inciting certain comments during the club's open bus trophy tour was improper and/or brought the game into disrepute".
Having accepted the charge, Wilshere, currently away on international duty, requested a non-personal hearing, which will see written submissions taken by an independent disciplinary commission, which once it sits in due course will decide whether to impose the expected financial penalty or instead issue a suspension.
Following England's goalless draw with the Republic of Ireland on Sunday, Wilshere had looked to put the incident behind him.
"I was a little (disappointed with the charge), but you know that is something the FA are dealing with and my club are dealing with so what will be, will be," Wilshere said.
"I have always had that bond with the Arsenal fans since I was young because I came through the club. I grew up at Arsenal and I love the fans but, believe it or not, I have actually got family who are Tottenham fans so it's nothing personal against them, it was just a bit of fun."
