Gunners pair deny charges
28 Feb 2007 - 17:59:20
The fallout from Sunday's Carling Cup showdown between Arsenal and Chelsea continues after Gunners pair Emmanuel Adebayor and Emmanuel Eboue both denied FA charges resulting from the stoppage time brawl at the Millennium Stadium.
Adebayor had to be escorted off the pitch after being shown a straight red card by referee Howard Webb as the Cardiff showpiece descended into an unsavoury finale.
The Togo international claimed he was the victim of mistaken identity and had to be persuaded to walk down the tunnel by non-playing captain Thierry Henry, who was watching on from the sidelines.
Meanwhile, Eboue escaped punishment on the pitch for appearing to strike Chelsea's Wayne Bridge but was subsequently charged with violent conduct.
But both players have denied the charges with Eboue set to discover the outcome of his case on Thursday, while Adebayor will face a disciplinary hearing next month.
"Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor and Emmanuel Eboue have denied FA charges resulting from Sunday's Carling Cup final," confirmed an FA statement.
"Adebayor has denied a charge of reacting aggressively and failing to leave the field of play immediately after being sent off. He has requested a personal hearing which will take place on Tuesday March 6.
"Emmanuel Eboue has denied a charge of violent conduct. Eboue was charged for striking Chelsea's Wayne Bridge. The case will be heard by a disciplinary commission on Thursday on the basis of documents and video evidence."
The FA has already rejected appeals from Adebayor and Chelsea's John Obi Mikel's over claims for wrongful dismissal relating to the same incident.