FA has fined Arsenal for failing to conduct an orderly fashion during the Premier League defeat against Manchester City on New Year’s Day. The estimated fine is £20,000 against the team.
FA charged this north London club after players surrounded referee Stuart Atwell following the second-half dismissal of Gunners defender Gabriel Magalhaes for two bookings inside two minutes.
Arsenal admitted the charge, who went on to lose 2-1 after a stoppage-time winner from Rodri earned City victory from a harsh exchange of words that occurred during the match at Emirates Stadium. Then, the referee handed another yellow card after cynically fouling City striker Gabriel Jesus halfway.
‘Arsenal FC has been fined £20,000 after admitting a charge for a breach of FA rule E20.1 and accepting the standard penalty,’ stated an FA statement.
‘The club failed to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 59th minute of its Premier League fixture against Manchester City FC.’
Gabriel caused a melee before the penalty and was booked for scuffing the spot, but Riyad Mahrez held his nerve to level with the league leaders’ first shot on target.
Arsenal started the game well, with Bukayo Saka giving them the lead in the 31st minute. City came back in the second half, with Mahrez’s penalty leveling the score before Gabriel’s red card, giving them a clear advantage. They eventually found a win through Rodri in the 93rd minute.
