FA IN PROFIT
Last updated : 31 October 2003 By Editor
The FA managed to hand out fairly fitting punishments to the
Arsenal players yesterday with Lauren banned for 4 matches,
Keown 3, Vieira and Parlour for one each. Lauren was also
fined £40’000, Keown has to pay £20’000 as does Vieira while
Parlour and Ashley Cole were docked £10’000 each. On top of
that Arsenal were fined £175’000 for failing to control
their players. The total money to be paid to the FA is
£275’000 which will soften the blow of a £4’400 fine that
they incurred from UEFA for the tunnel dust up in Turkey –
which also involved a few Arsenal players.
A statement on Arsenal’s website read:
'Following today's FA hearing, the club would once again
like to apologise for the conduct of its players during the
FA Premier League match against Manchester United at Old
Trafford played on September 21, 2003.
'Arsenal requires its players to behave properly at all
times, both on and off the field.
'The club accepts that what occurred during and immediately
after the match on September 21, 2003 fell well below the
required standard.
'The club accepts responsibility for the behaviour of its
players.
'Arsene Wenger strives to ensure that his players do not
cross the line which divides committed play from improper or
violent conduct.
'The players are instructed not to allow themselves to be
provoked and are reminded that their triumphs have come when
they have not allowed themselves to be distracted from the
game.
'The players also accept responsibility for their own
actions and Martin Keown, Lauren, Patrick Vieira, Ray
Parlour and Ashley Cole would like to use this opportunity
to apologise for their conduct.
'As far as the penalties are concerned, the club is
currently considering its position.'
