Arsenal's Alex Song has accepted a charge of violent conduct and will now
serve a three-match suspension, the Football Association has confirmed. The
midfielder was caught on camera treading on Joey Barton's ankle during
Saturday's match against Newcastle. Team-mate Gervinho also has a
three-match ban for slapping Barton, and both will miss games against
Liverpool, Manchester United and Swansea. Both clubs were also charged with
failing to control their players. They have until Thursday to respond. After
the clash with Cameroon midfielder Song, Barton was later at the centre of
an incident which led to the dismissal of new Arsenal striker Gervinho, who
has also been banned for violent conduct. The Football Association's charge
of failing to control their players relates to an ugly melee after Barton
reacted angrily to what he felt was diving, which culminated with Gervinho's
dismissal late on in the 0-0 draw at St James' Park.
serve a three-match suspension, the Football Association has confirmed. The
midfielder was caught on camera treading on Joey Barton's ankle during
Saturday's match against Newcastle. Team-mate Gervinho also has a
three-match ban for slapping Barton, and both will miss games against
Liverpool, Manchester United and Swansea. Both clubs were also charged with
failing to control their players. They have until Thursday to respond. After
the clash with Cameroon midfielder Song, Barton was later at the centre of
an incident which led to the dismissal of new Arsenal striker Gervinho, who
has also been banned for violent conduct. The Football Association's charge
of failing to control their players relates to an ugly melee after Barton
reacted angrily to what he felt was diving, which culminated with Gervinho's
dismissal late on in the 0-0 draw at St James' Park.